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Epaphras: Founder, Pastor, Prisoner, Greeter: Philemon 23–25, Part 1 Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Alongside all the other ways Paul encourages Philemon to love, he also adds greetings from Epaphras, a man Philemon would have deeply respected.

Paul’s Paradoxical Way of Being Refreshed: Philemon 18–22 Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

In seeking a welcome for the runaway slave, Onesimus, Paul banks on his history with Philemon, and risks his own resources, modeling radical Christian love.

Can We Always Know the Purposes of Providence? Philemon 15–17, Part 3 May 30, 2026

Show notes

Reading God’s providence rightly takes great faith in the power and wisdom of God, and communicating it kindly takes great humility. Paul displays both.

How the New Testament Transformed Slavery: Philemon 15–17, Part 2 May 26, 2026

Show notes

While the New Testament never explicitly abolishes slavery, it is full of teachings and commands that revolutionized the master-slave relationship.

Receive Onesimus No Longer as a Slave but as a Brother: Philemon 15–17, Part 1 May 23, 2026

Show notes

Paul wanted Philemon to welcome Onesimus back — but did it matter how? Paul’s radical reasoning has big implications for Onesimus’s status as a slave.

How to Motivate Without Commanding: Philemon 8–14, Part 4 May 19, 2026

Show notes

Although Paul refuses to command Philemon, he strengthens his appeal with seven personal reasons why his dear friend should receive Onesimus like a brother.

Does Commanding Ever Serve Love? Philemon 8–14, Part 3 May 16, 2026

Show notes

Jesus commanded us to love one another, but Paul seems to imply that commanding diminishes love. So, which does love prefer — commands or appeals?

Why Does Not Commanding Serve Love? Philemon 8–14, Part 2 May 12, 2026

Show notes

Paul knows what he wants Philemon to do, but he chooses not to command it. Why? He wants something deeper than rote obedience: genuine love.

Faith Is the Freedom to Love: Philemon 8–14, Part 1 May 09, 2026

Show notes

Paul could have commanded Philemon, with all the force of an apostle, to treat his runaway slave with love. So, why does Paul prefer to appeal to Philemon’s faith?

The Ripple Effect of Christian Refreshment: Philemon 4–7, Part 2 May 05, 2026

Show notes

How does Christian love touch and refresh all our relationships? Springing up from personal delight in Jesus, love overflows to do good to others for his sake.

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