Sermons on Philemon 1:8-9:

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

A Plea For Onesimus

Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on Feb 24, 2020

A short letter from a man in prison to a man betrayed.

A PLEA FOR ONESIMUS "8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-16, John 8:34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

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

An Open Letter

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 20, 2019

No longer a slave.

AN OPEN LETTER. PHILEMON 1:1-21. Onesimus was a slave who had escaped from his Christian master, Philemon. Yet in a beautiful irony, having not ‘made it’ alone in the big city, he found himself at last brought under the direct personal influence of “Paul the prisoner” (Philemon 1:1). Many a ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tweets From God (Part 2: Philemon) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Aug 27, 2021

“If God had a Twitter account, what would he tweet?” The Bible contains five short one-chapter books. The second, Philemon, is a tweet about a runaway slave changed by the gospel of Jesus.

Tweets from God: Philemon Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 5/22/2016 Last Sunday I began a series I’m calling Tweets from God. Like I said last week, with over 200 million users, Twitter is the most popular social network besides Facebook. But what makes Twitter unique is that ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-19

Denomination: Christian Church

A True Love

Contributed by Norman Bernad on Sep 23, 2020

On Valentine's Day everybody may be talking about love but do most people really understand how important real love is-to a marriage-to a relationship-to the home-to the Christian life-even to the church!

A True Love (A True Valentina) 1. Exodus 32:30-33 2. Philemon: 1.8-20 3. Psalm : 136 On Valentine's Day everybody may be talking about love but do most people really understand how important real love is-to a marriage-to a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:30-33, Philemon 1:8-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Philemon - Forgiveness In Action

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Mar 26, 2021

At any time in life we can be Onesimus, Philemon, or Paul i.e., someone who has hurt another person, someone who has been hurt, or someone who is attempted to reconcile two people. Like Onesimus we are all part of the “fellowship of the forgiven”, and therefore must practice forgiveness.

SERMON OUTLINE: Philemon : Forgiveness in Action 1. Book Background Only one chapter – 25 verses Thin book, but rich in content Originally written as a simple letter 2. Historical Setting Philemon – friend of Paul Christian converted by Paul in Ephesus? Philemon now living in Colossae A ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian Church

For Love's Sake Pt. 1 And 2 Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

In today's world, so many are left feeling empty and unfulfilled by the shallow versions of love society offers. In contrast, the book of Philemon introduces us to a different kind of love—agape love, a divine and selfless love that transforms hearts and relationships, offering true fulfillment.

For Love’s Sake! Philemon 4-9 Introduction: v.9 – Underline 3 words: “For Love’s Sake!” Illust: Psychologists claim that the three greatest needs of a human being are… 1) The need to be wanted. 2) The need to be needed. 3) The need to be loved. ? Live in a world that is obsessed with this ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

I've Been Changed Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 4, 2024

Every person has a story, often marked by success, failure, or struggle—but for the Christian, that story can be summed up in one powerful word: Grace. This is the testimony of every believer—before grace and after grace—a story of transformation and redemption.

I’ve Been Changed! Philemon 8-25 Introduction: Every person has a life story. That story can be summed up on one word: achievement, success, power, wealth, family… tragedy, failure, brokenness. Christian = Grace! Every Christian’s life is a story of grace. Another Word = Changed! Before ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-25

Denomination: Baptist

How To Forgive (Contd) - Philemon 8-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 16, 2024

This message answers common questions about forgiveness and provides seven practical principles that will help you forgive.

Philemon 1:1-25 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:15, Philemon 1:8-18

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

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