1/12/2025 Pastor David Won (Philemon 1:1-25, “A Shepherd’s Plea”)

(QUESTIONS)

Philemon 1:1-25 (Go to the ESV Bible verses)

Key Verses: 10, ^“I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.”

1. How does Paul introduce himself (1a, 9, 23-24)? Who is Philemon to him (1b,19b,20a)? What are Paul’s thanksgiving and prayer topics for Philemon (4-7)? Why might Paul write them first?

2. Who is Onesimus to Paul (10,11b-13,16) and to Philemon (11,15-16,18a)? What is Paul going to do for Onesimus (12a,16)? Why does Paul send him back to Philemon (11b,15-16; 2Co 5:18-21)?

3. What attitude does Paul have toward Philemon (8-10,14)? What specific pleas does Paul have for Philemon? (15b-17, 21b)? What is the basis of his appeal (5)? What results does Paul expect (20-21,25)? Why does Paul ask such a bold request of Philemon (Gal 3:26-28)?

4. How does Paul’s shepherding Onesimus and Philemon reflect Jesus’ shepherding? (cf. Lk 23:34a; Jn 10:11; Mt 18:21-35) How can we grow to be such good shepherds?

(MESSAGE)