Philemon

It is the third shortest book in the whole Bible. Only III John, with 14 verses and II John, with 13 verses, are shorter

The letter was from both Paul and Timothy, and it was addressed, not only to Philemon, but also to Apphia and Archippus, two other Christians

Philemon 1:1-3
"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

Philemon 1:4-7
"I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."

At the time the letter was written, the word "saint" meant all who believed in Jesus

Philemon 1:8-11
"Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me."

Paul makes a play on words here, as the name "Onesimus" means "profitable" or "useful"

Whilst he was an escapee Onesimus had become a Christian. If he had never escaped this may not have happened, so now he is returning to Philemon as a repentant sinner returns to God.

Philemon 1:12-15
"whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever"

As he is now a Christian, Onesimus has become more than a slave, but a brother in Christ.

Philemon 1:16-17
"not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself"

Philemon 1:18-19
"If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides."

If it were not for Paul, Philemon would not have become a Christian and so he owes his very soul to Paul

Philemon 1:20
"Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord."

In the English which was used to write the King James Bible, "bowels" referred to the "insides". A more modern interpretation might be; "it would refresh my heart"

Philemon 1:21-22
"Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you."

Paul's confidence was well placed. It is believed that Onesimus was freed by Philemon and he went on to become a bishop, eventually being martyred in Rome

Epaphras was from Colossae where he had preached the Gospel. He went to visit Paul in Rome and became his "fellow prisoner".

Philemon 1:23-25
"There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant"