1. AUTHOR. -Paul.

2. DATE. — Between 63-64 A. D., at the time of the letter to the Colossians.

3. TO WHOM WRITTEN. — To Philemon of Colosse, perhaps an elder of the church there.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — A slave belonging to Philemon had probably wronged his master and had run away from him. He had been converted under Paul's preaching, to whom he became very dear. The apostle was about to send him to his master, and wrote this letter that he might be received as a brother rather than as a slave, and Paul promised to make good any loss Philemon might have suffered through him.

5. LEADING TOPIC. -An entreaty that Philemon would receive with favor the slave who had possibly wronged him, who should now be dearer unto him as a brother.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that the Christian relationship should predominate over any social relationship; that those who are in Christ are thereby placed on an equality with each other.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

(a) Salutation and commendation, Ver. 1-7.

(b) The special request, Ver. 8–17.

(c) Promised restitution, Ver. 18, 19.

(d) Appeal and closing salutation, Ver. 20-25.

8. SPECIAL TEACHING OF THE BOOK. – Philemon was under obligation to Paul for spiritual blessings; being in Christ equalizes men of all conditions.

9. RELATION TO OTHER N. T. BOOKS. — Other books show that Christians form the body of Christ, and that all are members of that body; this shows that from whatever social rank one may come, his position as a member of the body of Christ is not affected thereby.

10. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The Bible in reference to slavery; the character of Roman slavery.