Bible study · Philemon 1:1-25
Philemon 1: For love’s sake
Read Philemon 1:1-25 before you meet.
In a few lines
Philemon opens with two names, Paul and Timothy, then goes on as I. Though that I has "all boldness in Christ to command" (1:8), it says, "for love’s sake I rather appeal to you" (1:9). And the letter's heart words in 1:7, 1:12 and 1:20 stand on one Greek noun, which Strong's gives, figuratively, as "pity or sympathy".
The verse to carry
“For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.”
Philemon 1:7
To talk about
1. "the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother" (1:7). Who has refreshed your heart, and how did they do it?
2. "yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you" (1:9). What difference does it make to you when someone asks rather than tells?
3. "I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers" (1:4). Whom could you thank God for, and mention in your prayers, this week?