A Surveyof theNew

TestamentPart two

The Apostle Paul’s Letters

(Romans – Philemon)

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Why 2215 matters…

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16,17

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. - 2 Peter 2:20,21

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As the rain and the snowcome down from heaven,and do not return to it without watering the earthand making it bud and flourish,so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty,but will accomplish what I desireand achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

– Isaiah 55:10,11

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Review…

Divisions of the Bible

Old Testament New Testament

Law ____ Gospels ____

History _____ History ____

Poetry/Wisdom ____ Letters ____

Prophecy ____ Paul ____

Major ____ General ____

Minor ____ Prophecy ____

(______ books) (_______ books)

_____ books

Big Picture Of The Bible

“The Coming Of Christ!”

Chapter One (The Old Testament) – Christ is C___________

Chapter Two (The Gospels) – Christ is H__________5

Chapter Three (The Rest N T) – Christ is Coming A____________

Periods Of OT History

P____-Flood time frame unknown(Genesis 1-6)

P_____-Flood time frame unknown(Genesis 9-12)

P____________ 2000BC- 1800BC(Genesis 12-50)

E___________ 1800BC-1400BC(Exodus 1-Exodus 12)

W______________ 1400BC-1350BC(Exodus 13-Deut 31)

C_____________ 1350BC-1330BC(Joshua)

J__________ 1330BC-1000BC(Judges)

U__________ Kingdom 1000BC-900BC(1 and 2 Samuel)

D____________ Kingdom 900BC-722BC(1 and 2 Kings 17)

J_________ 722BC-586BC (2 Kings 17-25)

E__________ 586BC-538BC(Ezra-Esther)6

P_____ Exile 538BC-432BC(Ezra-Esther)

The LettersThe third section of NT books is the letters (sometimes called ‘epistles’) - there are 21 letters in the N.T.

These letters were written to either individual Christians or to individual churches (no church building @ this time - many house churches throughout a city).

Paul’s LettersPaul wrote _____ of these letters…

9 to specific C_____________

R____________ 1,2 C________________ G____________ E_____________ P___________________ C___________________1,2 T___________________

4 to I______________

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1,2 T_________________ T_________P____________________

Let’s Talk About Paul

Saul the S____________Saul was student of Gamaliel, one of the most noted teachers of the day and a member of the Sanhedrin (Acts 22:3). It was Gamaliel who later moved the council to save the lives of the apostles (Acts 5:33-40). Saul had an impressive list of achievements as a Jew (Phil 3:3-6, 26:4,5)

Saul the P______________

Saul was there at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58-8:1) and he led the way in arresting Christians in Jerusalem and beyond (Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1,2). He later said that his persecution was “intense” (Gal 1:13) and a very great sin (1 Tim 1:12-15).

Why do you think Saul was so intense in his persecution of the church?

What valuable lesson do we learn from this?

We can be S____________ and be sincerely W___________!

Saul the C___________

Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians and he met up with Jesus (Acts 9:1-8) - Jesus said to Saul, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

How was Saul persecuting Jesus? By persecuting the C________

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What we do (or don’t do) to the church Jesus takes P____________

Other accounts of his conversion - Acts 22:4-21; 26:9-29

Acts 22:16 is a very significant verse in understanding the role of baptism in salvation.

Paul the Foreign M____________

Paul was given by Jesus the job of taking the Gospel to the gentiles. He went on 3 missionary journeys....

First, 44-46 AD (Acts 13 & 14) Paul & B______________

Second, 49-52 AD - (Acts 15:36-18:22) Paul & S________

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Third, AD 53 - 58 (Acts 18:23-21:24) Paul and various people

Paul the P______________

Paul returned to Jerusalem in AD 58 even though he knew that things would be bad - on the trip back, while at Caesarea - a prophet named Agabus came over from Judea to see Paul - See Acts 21:10-14.

“...why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13

Paul presence started a riot at the temple... 10

He was arrested by The Romans in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36) - they were about to whip Paul but as they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said,

“Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty...” - Acts 22:25

There was a plot to kill Paul (his nephew overheard about it) - so he was transferred to Caesarea under the guard of 200 Roman soldiers, 70 Horsemen and 200 hundred spearmen (Acts 23:-12-24).

Paul would spend ___ years in prison in Caesarea and later since he appealed his case to Caesar he was taking to prison in Rome. He spent ~ 2 years there also and was released in 62 AD....

In 67 AD he was once again arrested and put in prison and was executed in 67/68 AD under the order or Nero. In 2 Timothy, the last letter Paul wrote, we read; My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have keep the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me - a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day - not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.

- 2 Tim 4:6-8

Check out some of the things that Paul endured for Christ…

Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the 11

country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? – 2 Corinthians 11:23-29

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Romans

The Book of Romans makes it clear that there is N_________ we can do to save ourselves. In fact every “good” deed we have ever done is as a filthy rag before God. Therefore, we are so dead in our trespasses and sins that the only thing that can save us is the are we that only the G_________ and M_________ of God.

God expressed that grace and mercy by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place. When we turn our lives over to Christ, we are no longer controlled by our sin nature, but we are controlled by the Spirit.

Though Paul did deal with some powerful theology (‘study of God’ - Theos = God) in this book (much of which is misunderstood), he did not set out to do so. His reason for writing was to deal with a serious problem within the Roman church – C_________________ between Gentile & Jewish Christians.

The following is the big picture of Romans;

Problem: broken F____________ Plea: A_________ one anotherReason: there is N____ distinctionTheme words; ‘A_____’ ‘E_________________’

Paul is trying to teach them & us; that everyone has the same problem s_____ and that everyone has the same solution G_________.

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Significant Passages

Romans 1 Gentiles fall shortRomans 2 Jews fall shortRomans 3 Everyone falls shortRomans 4 It’s always been by faithRomans 5 Death through Adam, Life through JesusRomans 6 Dead to sin, alive to ChristRomans 7 You are no longer married to the lawRomans 8 Empowered by the Spirit/More than conquerorsRomans 9 The Sovereignty of God

Romans 11 Great teaching that opposes the teaching of once saved always saved.

Romans 12 Living SacrificesRomans 13 Submit to those in authority

Some Key Verses

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” – Rm 1:16,17

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:23

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. – Rm 6:3-5

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Rm 6:23

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Rm 8:18

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Rm 8:28

7 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! - Romans 11:17-24

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Rm 12:1,2

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. – Rm 13:8

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Rm 15:7

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.- Romans 15:13

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1 & 2 CorinthiansThe church in Corinth had some ‘big time’ P____________ - so they wrote a letter to Paul about some of the things that were going on in the church. Issues such as immorality, church discipline, marriage, abuse of the Lord’s supper, misuse of tongues, lack of love...etc. Paul wrote this letter to deal with these issues,

After they received the letter some changes were made in the church - and Paul wrote a 2nd letter to them - one main issue he dealt with in this 2nd letter was to answer the critics who challenged his authority - saying to the church you don’t have to listen to Paul, because he is not really an A_______________.

Significant Passages

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Message of the C_______1 Corinthians 5 Church discipline1 Corinthians 12 Church is a B______1 Corinthians 13 Love chapter1 Corinthians 15 R___________________ chapter2 Corinthians 1:8-11 God’s comfort2 Corinthians 3:7-18 New Covenant rocks!2 Corinthians 4:7-12 Treasures in jars of C______ 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 Absent from body – H_______ with Christ2 Corinthians 8:1-9 G____________ and generosity2 Corinthians 11:16-33 What Paul endured for Christ

Some Key Verses

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... 1 Corinthians 1:18

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you 16

were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Cor 6:18-20

Therefore, my dear brothers stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. - 1 Cor 15:58

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

– 2 Cor 1:3,4

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come... - 2 Cor 5:17

God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. - 2 Cor 5:21

Galatians Is a book written to combat a dangerous spirit within the Galatians church, the spirit of L______________.... Within the Galatian church were many Jewish Christians who had grown up practicing and observing the L____ of Moses. They adamantly disagreed with Paul’s statements that Christians do not have to follow the law.

Therefore they began teaching that you had to become a Jew first, before you could become a Christian.

Paul’s major point, is that salvation is in God’s grace, and nothing else. Unfortunately this spirit (legalism) is not dead - it is alive and well, whenever anyone wants to add requirements to the cross - or says you have to follow these rules to be right with God.

Significant Passages

Galatians 1:6-10 Preaching another G___________Galatians 2:11-14 Paul C___________ Peter

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Galatians 5:1-15 F____________ in ChristGalatians 5:16-25 F______ of sinful nature & of the Spirit

Some key Verses

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, But Christ lives I me, the life I live I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Gal 2:20

“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ.”

Gal 3:27

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...” Gal 5:22,23

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

- Galatians

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Ephesians Is a book that has one Central theme running throughout - which is, that in Christ we are rich, God has…“blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3).

We have been saved by his G_________, brought near by his B__________ and we have available to us resurrection P__________.

First half of the book… this is who you A______, and the second half is basically in light of who you are this how you should L______.

Significant Passages

Ephesians 1:3-10 Spiritual B__________ in ChristEphesians 2:1-10 Our before and after P____________ in ChristEphesians 3:14-20 Paul’s P___________Ephesians 4:1-6 U_________ of the churchEphesians 5:22-33 Husbands & wivesEphesians 6:10-18 A__________ of God

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms… - Eph 1:18-20

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not for yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. - Eph 2:8,9

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Eph 2:10

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ...” - Eph 2:13

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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

- Eph 4:29

PhilippiansThe letter to the Philippians, is one of Paul’s prison epistles, it was written in Rome around the AD 62/63. Paul visited there and established a church on his second missionary journey Acts 16. Two of Paul’s first converts were Lydia and the Philippian jailer. Paul started a riot in the city by casting a demon out of a slave girl and was thrown into prison along with Silas.

J_______ is a common theme throughout this letter (joy and rejoice used at least 10 times)

Paul write this letter to…

1. T_____________ the church2. E________________ the church 3. C_______________ the church

Key Passages

Paul’s suffering A_______________ the Gospel Philippians 1:12-14The challenge to stand F______ Philippians 1:27-30Having the H___________ attitude of Christ Philippians 2:1-11Pressing toward the G________ Philippians 3:7-12The cure to A_____________ Philippians 4:4-9The secret to C________________ Philippians 4:12,13

For me to live is Christ and to die is gain... - Phil 1:21

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But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. - Phil 3:7

I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason He made me His. Brothers and sisters, I know I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal, and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. - Phil 3:12-14

ColossiansThough Paul wrote this book as far as we know he had never been to Colosse. The church there, was more than likely started by a man named Epaphras a convert from Ephesus.

Paul wrote in response to a new heresy that threatened to D__________ the church in Colosse, it was a blending of eastern philosophy, Jewish legalism and the traditions of men – which at it’s core said Jesus was not enough - that it was Jesus plus something else.

As with all the early churches, the issue of Jewish legalism in Colosse was of great concern to Paul. So radical was the concept of salvation by G_______ apart from W_________ that those steeped in Old Testament law found it very difficult to grasp.

Consequently, there was a continual movement among the legalists to add certain requirements from the law to this new faith.

The Book of Colossians is a mini-ethics course, addressing every area of Christian life. Paul progresses from the individual life to the home and family, from work to the way we should treat others.

The theme of this book is the S__________________ of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in meeting our needs in every areas of life.

Key Passages21

The p________ of Grace Col 1:3-8The S______________ of Christ Col 1:15-23Sins forgiven, written code C______________ Col 2:13-23Living out our F_________ a home/work Col 3:18-25

Key Verses

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. – Col 1:17He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. – Col 1:28,29

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

- Col 2:9,10

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Col 3:17

1 & 2 Thessalonians

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Paul really cared about this Church - they had their act together, he called them a model church, he said their F________ was known everywhere. But even so Paul challenges them to do even M________ - to reach even higher in living out their Faith.

We read about Paul’s visit there in Acts 17:1-10 and as usually happened Paul’s presence there started a riot, this time among jealous Jews – Paul and Silas escaped the city under the cover of darkness and went to Berea.

In these letters Paul also talks about Christ’s R______________, clearing up some misconception that they had and offering them encouragement as they face persecution.

Key Passages

Why Paul was thankful for them 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10How to live in order to P___________ God 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8The R___________ of The Lord 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11Their growth in the face of persecution 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12Warnings about being idle 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Key Verses

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

– 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16,17

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1 & 2 TimothyThese are 2 letters that Paul wrote to a young man (Timothy) who Paul most likely brought to the Lord when He was just a T________________.

These letters were designed to E________________ Timothy and to give him guidance about being a L__________ in the church and about living the kind of life God accepts.

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers...” (1 Tim 4:16)

2 Timothy is the final recorded words of Paul.

1 Timothy was written in 62/63 AD, 2 Timothy in ~ 67AD

Key Passages

Paul’s ‘Grace’ Story 1 Timothy 1:12-17Q_________________ of elders and deacons 1 Timothy 3:1-13Advice about widows and slaves 1 Timothy 5:1-16Love of Money 1 Timothy 6:3-10Paul’s C___________ to Timothy 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5Paul F_________________ his race 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Key Verses

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. – 1 Timothy 1:15

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:8

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant

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nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. – 1 Timothy 6:17

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Titus

Titus was involved in a very difficult ministry on the island of Crete. The Cretans had a very well deserved ‘bad reputation,’ Paul said the following about them; “

Cretans are always lairs, evil brutes, lazy gluttons… (1:12).

In Crete G________ was god. Schemers were admired. Cheating was wrong only if you got C____________. Right & wrong were determined by the situation (moral relativism). For the church to overcome the power influences of such a society, Paul tells Titus that strong L_______________ is the first item of business, followed by character and self control.

Key Passages

The qualifications of an elder Titus 1:5-9What Titus must T___________ Titus 2:1-10

Key Verses

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good. – Titus 1:16

For the grace of God....teaches us to say ‘NO’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in

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this present age. Titus -2:11,12

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit... – Titus 3:4,5

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. – Titus 3:10

Philemon

Philemon is a letter that Paul writes to a Christian named Philemon. Philemon must have been a wealthy man for he was a S___________ owner. One of his slaves by the name of Onesimus had run away. He had escaped to Rome and met Paul there and became a believer.

Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon - but not only that He is also telling him, that though Onesimus ran way, he is now a brother.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever (15)

If he has done you wrong or owes you anything charge it to me. (18).

Paul presents a strong argument for Philemon to accept and forgive Onesimus - one I’m confident Philemon followed.

Key Verse

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. - Philemon 6

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Answer Key7 - churches, Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, individuals, Timothy, Titus, Philemon8 - student, persecutor, convert, church, personally9 - missionary, Barnabas, Silas10 – prisoner11 - 313 - nothing, grace, mercy, conflict, fellowship, accept, no, all, everyone, sin, grace15 - problems, apostle, cross, body, resurrection, clay, home, giving17 - Legalism, law, gospel, confronts, freedom, fruit19 - grace, blood, power, are, live, blessings, picture, prayer, unity, armor20 - joy, thanks, encourage, challenge, advances, firm, humble, goal, anxiety, contentment 21 – destroy, grace, works, sufficiency, power, supremacy canceled, faith23 – faith, more, return, please, return24 - teenager, encourage, leader, qualifications, charge, finishing 25 - greed, caught, leadership, teach 26 - slave

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