I. GREETING (vv. 1-3)
A. The People (vv.1-2b)
1. Timothy (v. 1).
2. Philemon (v. 1).
3. Apphia (v. 2a). Possibly Phlm’s wife.
4. Archippus (v. 2b). Possibly Phlm’s son.
B. The Church (v. 2c)
C. The Common Way to Start Letters in Roman Empire
1. Writer announces himself (v. 1a)
2. Writer states identity of recipient (vv. 1b-2)
3. Writer offers a greeting (v. 3)
II. APPLAUSE (vv. 4-7)
A. In Prayer (v. 4)
B. In Actions (v. 5)
2. Where Philemon Directs It.
C. In Effects (v. 6-7)
III. APPEAL (vv. 8-17)
A. The Earthly Problem (vv. 8-14, 17)
1. Paul’s Reason (v. 8).
2. Paul’s Request (vv. 9-10a, 17)
Appeal.
Age.
Acceptance.
3. Paul’s Son (v. 10b-11)
The Person Onesimus (v. 10b).
The Problem Onesimus.
The Change of Onesimus (v. 11).
4. Paul’s Consideration (vv. 12-14).
B. The Heavenly Provision (vv. 15-16)
1. God’s Plan (v. 15)
2. Onesimus’s Position (v. 16)
Emancipation from Slavery to Freedom.
Restoration back to Good Relationship.
IV. ACCOUNT (vv. 18-21)
A. The Offer (v. 18)
1. Problem.
2. Solution.
B. The Authenticity (v. 19)
C. The Hope (vv. 20-21)
V. GOODBYE (vv. 22-25)