Time after Pentecost · Proper 18 · Year C
Philemon 1-21
Paul's Appeal for Onesimus
September 10, 2028
Overview & Insights
"Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother." (Philemon 15-16)
Paul writes from prison to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a Christian through Paul's ministry. Rather than commanding Philemon, Paul appeals to their shared love and asks him to welcome Onesimus back as a brother.
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Commentary
Philemon 1 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Walks through Paul's appeal for Onesimus verse by verse.
Philemon Commentary Precept Austin
Collects classic verse-by-verse commentary excerpts on the letter.
Philemon 1:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Lines up multiple historic commentaries side by side.
Philemon 1 (Gill's Exposition) StudyLight
Gives John Gill's full exposition of the letter.
Commentary on Philemon 1:1-21 Working Preacher
The one Lutheran-tradition voice on Paul's shortest surviving letter.
Philemon 1:1-21 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching-focused close reading of Paul's rhetorical strategy.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
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