BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott explore Philemon 8–20, where Paul models the gospel by stepping in on behalf of Onesimus, offering to repay his debt to Philemon. This powerful passage reveals that true reconciliation requires both repentance and forgiveness. Paul’s appeal goes beyond personal favor — it’s a call for Philemon to live out the gospel by welcoming Onesimus not as a slave, but as a brother.
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) INTRODUCTION
(26:37) PHILEMON 8-16
(52:47) PHILEMON 17-20
(1:07:56) ACTIVATION STEPS
— EPISODE LINKS —
• Bible Tools
• STB084 | Forgiveness: The Process of Reconciliation & Restoration
• The Freedom Booklet
• The Identity Guide
• More Content & Resources At Our Website
— EPISODE NOTES —
PHILEMON 8-9: PAUL APPEALS TO HIMSELF AS THE AUTHORITY
Paul begins his light-hearted, sarcastic yet firm request to Philemon by appealing to himself, his age, and his imprisonment — stating that while he could order Philemon based upon his own status, he would rather appeal to him in love (knowing Philemon’s own change of heart as a result of the Gospel).
PHILEMON 10-16: PAUL EXPLAINS WHAT HAPPENED
Paul lays out how his and Onesimus’ relationship began and how he became a Christian. He also appeals to what was originally a selfish move on Onesimus’ part, God used for redemption — the idea being what the enemy schemed for evil, God schemes for good. He also reveals, as a Christian, the change in the relational dynamic between Onesimus and Philemon one of equals rather than of hierarchy while technically the hierarchy still remains in place (v. 16, “…more than a slave…”)
APPLICATION QUESTION(S): How does this passage apply to someone who does not own a slave? What Gospel-centered Kingdom realities are present that challenge our own individualistic views of boundaries and cultural views of justice?
PHILEMON 17-20: PAUL DEMONSTRATES THE GOSPEL ON BEHALF OF ONESIMUS
As Jesus did on behalf of Philemon, Paul does on behalf of Onesimus — he pays a debt he does not personally owe.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S): What does Paul’s willingness to cover Onesimus’ debt teach us as Christian about the cost of reconciliation with those who have wronged us?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
STEP #1 – EMBRACE THE COST OF RECONCILIATION (Philemon 18):
True reconciliation, like Jesus demonstrated, often requires absorbing a personal cost. Ask the Holy Spirit: What Christian in my life am I unwilling to personally sacrifice for especially if I were to receive nothing in return?
STEP #2 – SEE CHRISTIANS AS SIBLINGS CREATED BY GOD (Philemon 16):
Just as Philemon is to view Onesimus as a brother challenge yourself to view other Christians who have wronged you as a fellow child of God as you are. Ask the Holy Spirit: How do You see [insert person listed above]?
STEP #3 – TAKE ACTION TOWARD RECONCILIATION (Philemon 17):
The process of reconciliation isn’t passive — regardless of what side of the offense you are on (either the offender, like Onesimus, or the offended, like Philemon) it is a process that will require active selflessness and likely sacrificial steps. Ask the Holy Spirit: What practical step can I take toward reconciling with [insert person listed in step #1], even if it means humbling myself and absorbing the cost?
