Theory question 111
Forgiveness(a) Give the highlights of Paul's letter to Philemon (b) Explain the term Forgiveness
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(a) Paul, a prisoner for Christ, writes with Timothy to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus and the church in his house (Philemon 1-2).
He thanks God for Philemon's love and faith which refresh the saints (Philemon 4-7).
Rather than command, he appeals for love's sake (Philemon 8-9).
He appeals for Onesimus, his child in the faith, once useless but now useful (Philemon 10-11).
He sends him back, though he wanted to keep him, not wishing to act without consent (Philemon 12-14).
Philemon should receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother (Philemon 15-16).
Receive him as you would Paul; charge any debt to Paul's account (Philemon 17-19).
Paul is confident of his obedience and asks for a guest room (Philemon 21-22).
(b) Forgiveness means pardoning someone who has wronged you, giving up resentment and the wish to punish, and restoring the relationship, as God forgave us in Christ (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:12-15).
Give the main points of Philemon, then a clear definition of forgiveness.