Internalization questions for Philemon

Philemon.md

Scene 1: Introduction and Greetings (Philemon 1:1-3)

\c 1
\po
\v 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
\po To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—
\v 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:
\po
\v 3 Grace and peace to you\f + \fr 1:3 \ft The Greek is plural; also in \+xt verses 22|PHM 1:22\+xt* and \+xt 25|PHM 1:25\+xt*; elsewhere in this letter “you” is singular.\f* from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions for Scene 1:

1. Who are the senders of this letter? How do they describe themselves?
2. Who are the recipients mentioned in these verses? How are they described?
3. What greeting does Paul extend to the recipients?
4. What emotions or attitude does Paul convey in his greeting?
5. How might Philemon and the others feel upon receiving this greeting?

Scene 2: Thanksgiving and Prayer (Philemon 1:4-7)

\s1 Thanksgiving and Prayer
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\v 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
\v 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.
\v 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.
\v 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lordʼs people.

Questions for Scene 2:

1. What does Paul do every time he remembers Philemon in his prayers?
2. What specific qualities of Philemon does Paul mention in his thanksgiving?
3. What does Paul pray for concerning Philemon and their partnership in faith?
4. How has Philemon's love impacted Paul?
5. How do Philemon's actions benefit the wider community of believers?

Scene 3: Paul’s Plea for Onesimus (Philemon 1:8-21)

\s1 Paul’s Plea for Onesimus
\p
\v 8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,
\v 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—
\v 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,\f + \fr 1:10 \fq Onesimus \ft means \fqa useful.\f* who became my son while I was in chains.
\v 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
\p
\v 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.
\v 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.
\v 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.
\v 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—
\v 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
\p
\v 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
\v 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.
\v 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.
\v 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
\v 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Questions for Scene 3:

1. How does Paul express his request to Philemon, despite having the authority to order him?
2. How does Paul describe his relationship with Onesimus?
3. Why does Paul consider Onesimus "useful"?
4. Why is Paul sending Onesimus back to Philemon, and what is Paul's hope for Onesimus' return?
5. In what way does Paul want Philemon to welcome Onesimus?
6. What offer does Paul make regarding any wrong Onesimus might have done?
7. How does Paul highlight Philemon's obligations and potential actions regarding Onesimus?
8. What is Paul's emotional state and expectation as he concludes his appeal?

Scene 4: Final Greetings (Philemon 1:22-25)

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\v 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
\b
\b
\p
\v 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.
\p
\v 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
\b
\p
\v 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Questions for Scene 4:

1. What practical request does Paul make in anticipation of his potential visit?
2. Who else sends their greetings to Philemon?
3. How might Philemon feel upon hearing these additional greetings?
4. What final blessing does Paul leave with Philemon and those with him?

Summary Questions:

1. What are the key relationships and emotions expressed in this letter?
2. How does Paul's plea for Onesimus reflect the values and teachings of Jesus?
3. How might Philemon be challenged by Paul's request and what does this say about Christian community and forgiveness?
4. How does Paul's personal situation (being a prisoner) influence the tone and content of the letter?
5. Imagine being in Philemon's position, receiving this letter from Paul. How would you respond emotionally and practically?