Reconciling With an Old Friend - Book of Philemon

Onesimus / Reconciling with an Old Friend

September 21, 2025

Philemon 

Study Questions

1.    Read Philemon 1-7. What do we learn about Philemon? What do we learn about Paul’s relationship with Philemon? (See also Colossians 4:7-9.) 

2.    Read Philemon 8-17. Who is Onesimus? Why was Paul bringing an appeal on his behalf?  What is it that Paul is asking of Philemon here? How does he ask? How does he hope Philemon will respond?

3.    How has the once “useless” Onesimus become “useful” and dear to Paul (Philemon 11–12)?

4.    What does ‘Gospel Reconciliation’ look like according to this passage? 

5.    Read the following passages: Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18:15. How do these passages lead us to live in Christ-centered reconciliation with others? 

6.    Read Philemon 18-20. What does Paul mean when he tells Philemon to charge anything owed to Paul’s account? What does that look like as you pursue reconciliation with others in your life? 

Further Study: Ken Sande, The Slippery Slope, https://rw360.org/slippery-slope/