The Book of Philemon - Analysed and Explained in Summary - Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of "The Analysed Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
To the best of our knowledge we are of the understanding that this book, taken from Volumes 1, 2, & 3 of the "Analysed Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan published in 1907, and freely available elsewhere on the internet is in the public domain.
PHILEMON - CHRIST AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
INTRODUCTION - Philemon 1:1-1:3
1. To Philemon
2. Also the Church
Part A: THE APPROACH - Philemon 1:4-1:7
A1. Thanksgiving for Philemon's Love
A2. Thanksgiving for Philemon's Faith
Part B: THE ARGUMENT - Philemon 1:8-1:16
B1. Paul Introduces his Subject by Introducing Himself - Philem. 1:8-1:9
B2. Paul strengthens his argument by References to Onesimus - Philem. 1:10-1:16
Part C: THE APPEAL - Philemon 1:17-1:21
C1. Direct "Receive him as myself"
C2. I owe you
C3. You owe me
C4. Confidence
CONCLUSION - Philemon 1:22-1:25
1. Prepare me a Lodging
2. Salutation
3. Benediction
Introduction - Philemon 1:1-1:3
This letter is of a purely personal nature. Its right to a place in the canon was called in question in the fourth century on the ground that its manner and content were beneath the dignity of the apostle. This opinion was surely the result of superficial examination, as, while it is perfectly true that the matter dealt with is of a personal and private nature, yet the whole method of dealing with it is a radiant revelation of the application of Christian principle to matters of individual life and social relationship.
After the introduction (verses 1-3) the letter falls into three divisions; the Approach (verses 4-7); the Argument (verses 8-16); the Appeal (verses 17-21); with a Conclusion (verses 22-25).
While the letter is addressed to Philemon, the apostle includes the members of his house-hold, and the whole Church. The reason for this is, evidently, that upon the new social relationships existing among the members of the Christian Church, Paul is about to base his appeal on behalf of Onesimus.
A. The Approach - Philemon 1:4-1:7
After the usual salutation of grace and peace the apostle proceeded to declare his thankfulness for all he heard of the love and faith of Philemon. It is to be carefully noted that this love and faith was described as being "toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints." He prayed for him that the fellowship of his faith might be effectual, and declared how much joy and comfort he had in the knowledge of the fact that the saints had been refreshed by Philemon. All this constituted a method of approach to the argument upon which he based the specific appeal which was the principal purpose of the writing of the letter.
B. The Argument - Philemon 1:8-1:16
The first movement in the apostle's argument was that of the introduction of himself. He declared that although he had full authority to command Philemon as to what befitted his profession of Christianity, he did not choose to do so. He chose rather to appeal to him upon the basis of his love. Setting aside his official authority, he set up the authority of their mutual love. Very tender, and full of the most sacred art, was his reference to himself as "the aged," and "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." It would have been very difficult for Philemon to have refused compliance with anything requested by one who was so highly esteemed and tenderly loved in the faith, especially in view of the fact that he was bowed beneath the weight of years, approaching the end of his life and ministry, and withal a prisoner bound in chains for the sake of the Gospel. Thus the apostle would capture him by this introduction of himself.
He then adopted a new method of argument by the way in which he referred to Onesimus. This man, a slave of Philemon, had run away from his master, and the most probable attitude of Philemon toward him would be that of a perfectly just anger. Of course, in reading this story the men must be measured by the standards of their own age. The more perfect light in which we are now living, and which makes the holding of slaves impossible, was then only beginning to break through the darkness, and its meaning was not perfectly apprehended. Therefore it was that Paul introduced the name of the runaway in the way in which he did, referring to him as "my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds." From these words it is evident that in some way Onesimus had come under the influence of Paul, and had been brought to Christ thereby. Reference to his relationship to Philemon immediately followed, but was introduced with a touch of playful humour ; for the word Onesimus means profitable, and when the apostle wrote, "who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and me," he was indulging in a play upon words.
C. The Appeal - Philemon 1:17-1:21
At last the apostle reached the appeal. He asked Philemon to receive Onesimus as though he were receiving Paul himself. Seeing that there might be some difficulty in the way, the apostle made himself responsible for any debt which Onesimus owed Philemon, gently reminding the latter that he owed himself to Paul. He finally declared his confidence that Philemon would do as he asked, and even beyond.
Conclusion - Philemon 1:22-1:25
Finally, the apostle expressed his hope that he would be able to visit Philemon; requested that a lodging should be prepared for him; sent salutations; and pronounced the benediction.