Philemon 1 is Paul’s short personal letter to a believer named Philemon, asking him to receive back Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or a personal study that moves slowly through one chapter. Each set below is designed to be worked through in order, with a leader’s note for discussion.
Philemon 1 at a Glance
Paul opens by greeting Philemon and the church that meets in his house, then thanks God for Philemon’s love and faith. He moves into his real request: he pleads for Onesimus, whom he calls his child in the faith, and asks Philemon to welcome him back not as a slave but as a beloved brother.
The chapter closes with Paul offering to repay any debt Onesimus owes, asking for a guest room, and sending greetings from his co-workers. Walking through this sequence helps a group see that the letter is a single appeal built on gratitude, love and trust.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an opinion about the letter. Ask the group to point to the text and read the relevant verses aloud, so the discussion stays anchored in what Paul actually wrote.
Philemon 1:4-5
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints…
(WEB)
Reading these verses at the start sets the warm, grateful tone Paul uses before making his request. Ask the group to notice how thanksgiving comes before the appeal, and how love and faith are named together.
Philemon 1:10-11
10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus, 11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
(WEB)
These verses introduce Onesimus and the change the gospel has brought about in him. Reading them aloud lets the group hear the wordplay on his name and feel the weight of Paul’s language of fatherhood.
Philemon 1:15-16
15 For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
(WEB)
This passage carries the heart of the letter, describing Onesimus as a beloved brother rather than a slave. Pause after reading so the group can reflect on what that shift in relationship implies.
Philemon 1:18-19
18 But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).
(WEB)
Here Paul offers to pay any debt personally and signs his promise with his own hand. Reading it aloud helps the group see the personal cost Paul is willing to carry for reconciliation.
Philemon 1:21
Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
(WEB)
Paul’s expression of confidence in Philemon’s obedience closes the appeal on a note of trust. Ending the reading on this verse leaves the group with a sense of hope in the people God is shaping.
Memory Verse for Philemon 1
Philemon 1:6
That the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
This verse links the sharing of faith with knowing every good thing we have in Christ Jesus, which makes it a helpful verse to carry through the week. Encourage the group to repeat it together and consider where they see that fellowship active in their own community.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, thank you for the love and faith you grow in your people, and for the way you bind us together as brothers and sisters. Help us to receive one another as Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus, with generosity, humility and a willingness to bear one another’s burdens. Where we have been wronged, give us grace to forgive, and where we have wronged others, give us courage to make it right. Refresh our hearts in you, and teach us to pray for one another as we walk together. Amen.
