Philemon 1-25

We conclude this study through Paul’s Grace Curriculum with a story of sin and redemption, of grace and love, and good church order, with no doctrinal instruction necessary; instead confidence that the doctrine has been believed and will produce the proper response, with all the brethren rejoicing in the afflictions of the gospel in Christ. It should be an exhortation to us as we rejoice in our secure position in Christ, awaiting the day when the Father receives us bodily as though we’re Christ’s own Body, which we are.

We examine the position of Archippus as bishop of Colosse in relation to the letter. We’ll look at some of the psalms Jesus fulfilled when he quoted them and how these psalms and Philemon have figurative and prophetic implications. And we’ll look at how the names of Philemon and Osesimus are also plays on words.

We’ll see more evidence that God id not in full possession of everything he created, and that we’re living through his plan of redemption. We’ll examine a few modern translations, and their errors, starting with the word “bowels” and going to the leaving out of the reception request in verse 12.

Onesimus may not be an escaped slave, but a thief who ran away, and a sinner for sure, but Paul asks Philemon to receive him as if he were Paul himself, the same way the Son asks the Father to receive us as if we were flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones. We point out this and a number of other figures that make Philemon the final stroke of God’s brush on his masterpiece of grace.

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