Sermons on Philemon 1:1-13:

Onesimus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 30, 2021

Onesimus was the fugitive slave of Philemon , the apostle Paul's friend. Onesimus had robbed his master Philemon and fled to Rome, a large city where he could easily hide.

Onesimus Onesimus was the fugitive slave of Philemon , the apostle Paul's friend. Onesimus had robbed his master Philemon and fled to Rome, a large city where he could easily hide. Fortunately, Onesimus encountered Paul in Rome, where the apostle was serving time in prison. Some scholars ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Philemon Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Jan 16, 2022

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

January 15, 2022 Paul was a prisoner in Rome Philemon was a leader in the church at Colossae and a wealthy slave owner. Onesimus was Philemon’s useless runaway slave who made his way to Rome. A note on slavery in ancient Rome: • 85% of Rome’s population were slaves. • Slavery was not ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:8, Psalm 14:1-3, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:10, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10, Galatians 4:7, Philemon 1:1-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Burden And Blessing Of Forgiving Others

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

The gospel has made us all brothers and sisters, one in Christ Jesus. It has torn down whatever dividing walls used to stand between us, and it’s given us a reason to love and to forgive.

There are two sisters who aren’t speaking to one another because of things that happened, years ago: What does the gospel say to them? There’s a brother in the church who’s made a serious mistake: What does the gospel say to him, and those around him? There’s a whole congregation that needs ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:12-14, Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Owl #3 Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Apr 12, 2021

the real power of the movement of God is smaller groups gathering and expanding to reach more now ( in the summer of the church) before a darkness that will come.

<The Tootsie roll owl commercial launches the message> Did you know that that commercial is almost 50 years old? It’s memorable. It points to a question, provides a practical experiment and even an answer. However, the wise old owl is only validating his own personal knowledge and experience ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 30:24-28, Proverbs 30:25, Zechariah 4:10, Matthew 18:10, Romans 16:3-5, Philemon 1:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Too Young Or Too Old

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 26, 2021

There is unfortunately much ageism in the Body. When I was young, I had to point to Timothy. Now I have to point to Paul the aged in a time when 27 right out of seminary is ideal, but no one over 50 is considered.

Psalms 92:12-15 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; 15 To shew ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:9, Psalm 92:12-15, Nehemiah 8:1-3, 1 Kings 12:6-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Book Of Philemon Commentary; Part 1 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 30, 2021

Philemon (meaning "beloved") has only one chapter; it was written to the man called Philemon, and that is almost all we know about this person, except, of course, that which can be ascertained from the Epistle itself. It is short and of a private nature,

THE BOOK OF PHILEMON COMMENTARY; PART 1 Note: The New King James Bible is used throughout, except where noted otherwise. INTRODUCTION Philemon (meaning "beloved") has only one chapter; it was written to the man called Philemon, and that is almost all we know about this person, ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

In Christ (Part Two)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on May 5, 2022

In part one of In Christ, I talked about how being in Christ means we live a new life. And in Christ there is now no condemnation. However, we need to keep the faith and persevere to the end. I conclude with the fact that in Christ we are blessed and we are one.

IN CHRIST (part two) Recap: In part one of In Christ, I talked about how being in Christ means we live a new life. We pattern our lives after the example set forth by Jesus and the other men and women of faith. Paul said ,'follow my example as I follow Christ'. In this new life we think, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3, Philippians 4:4-8, Philippians 4:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philemon 1:6, Colossians 2:9-10, Ephesians 3:20-21, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 12:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:26-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Onesimus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 25, 2022

Onesimus is regarded as a saint by many Christian denominations. The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod commemorates him and Philemon on February 15. The traditional Western commemoration of Onesimus is on February 16.

Onesimus Bishop of Byzantium Installed 54 Term ended 68 Personal details Denomination Early Christianity Saint Painting depicting death of Onesimus, from the Menologion of Basil II (c.?1000 AD) Holy Disciple Onesimus Bishop of Byzantium Died c.?68 AD or 81-95 AD Rome (then Roman ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:10

Denomination: Baptist

Arrows Of Truth # 7 - What Is The 1st Step Of The Hunters Strategy? (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Louis Posthauer on Mar 19, 2022

A weekly series to help believers engage with loved ones, friends and neighbors who are dropout believers to restore them to the church - the Body of Christ.

Arrows of Truth # 7 - What is the 1st step of the Hunters strategy? (Part 2) The 1st step of the Hunters strategy is to strengthen yourself in the Lord. What do we mean by strengthen ourselves in the Lord? Unless we are strengthened for our engagement with the dropout, we will end up spiritually ...read more

Scripture: James 5:16, Philemon 1:6

Many Faithful Partners Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 6, 2022

Philemon- The letter is to this dear brother that Paul considered a partner in the ministry. He said, I hear about your love for all believers in Christ. (Philemon 1:4) Partnership in faith with Paul. Paul always remembered this Colossae leader in his prayers

Preaching Boldly without Hindrance. When Paul writes this personal letter to his dear friend Philemon, we find him in jail in Rome. Paul was doing a four-and-a-half-year imprisonment “mission journey”. The first two years came in the Caesarea prison after he was arrested in Jerusalem (Acts ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

You’re A Person Of Potential

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 3, 2020

Onesimus was a slave who became a criminal and fugitive. His name means "useful," but he wasn't. He met Paul in Rome and received Christ. He became useful; His master freed him and he became a minister. We too are to become useful for God.

YOU’RE A PERSON OF POTENTIAL Philemon 1:9-18 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A church service occurred during Covid-19 and only two people showed up: the preacher and a rancher. The preacher led songs, took up the offering, and then he preached for an hour and a half. 2. When they were going out the ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:9-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sermon # 37 - The Father's Love Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jul 18, 2025

The love that God the Father demonstrated when He sent His only begotten Son Jesus into this world is unfathomable. It’s this love of God that saved us, protects us, provides for our needs, trusts and accepts us in spite of all our faults and failings.

For our meditation today let me highlight this verse from 1 John 3:1, “See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are.” (GNB) Can you imagine the amazing love God the Father has lavished on us, that we have the wonderful ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1, Hebrews 11:7, Romans 8:32, 2 Samuel 13:39, 2 Samuel 15:7-9, Philemon 1:10, Philemon 1:15-16, Philemon 1:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

So Why Is Jesus Stopping In The Middle Of The Road And Facing Me?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 2, 2025

Here's another opportunity to put yourself in another’s position, and it is critical. You have been following Jesus, for several days or months or years. He is going to Jerusalem with this vast mob following Him, including you. He stops. He turns around.

Twenty-third Sunday in Course 2025 Let’s suppose you have what you think is a good idea, but you wonder whether other people will agree with you. If your primary concern is to avoid public scorn or controversy or losing a valuable part of your business, you are in need of prudence. You are asking ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:3-6, Psalm 90:12-14, Psalm 90:17, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:12-17, Philemon 1:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

The God Of "Good Ole Slavery”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 7, 2025

Paul sends Onesimus back. Back to Philemon. Back to the house he ran from. Back to the chains he escaped.

Sermon: The God of “Good Ole Slavery” Scripture: Philemon 1:15–16 – “Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother…” Introduction: Wrestling with Paul and Our Present Beloved, ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: United Methodist

Refresh My Heart

Contributed by Patty Groot on Sep 8, 2025

This sermon shows how Paul’s opening words to Philemon (vv. 1–7) model grace-filled leadership, reminding us that our reputation in Christ matters, forgiveness is the mark of maturity, and we are called to refresh others’ hearts with the same love we’ve received.

Sometimes the most powerful messages come in the smallest packages. That’s true in life, and it’s certainly true in the Bible. Philemon is the shortest letter Paul wrote, just 25 verses. You could read it in under two minutes. But in those 25 verses, Paul lays out a powerful, personal, and deeply ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7