# Introduction to Philemon ## The Writer We see from the first verse that this epistle was written by Paul the apostle. ## The Purpose of Writing Paul wrote this epistle to Philemon to intercede for Onesimus, the runaway slave. ## The Theme The theme of this epistle is Christian character.Dhamira ya waraka huu ni tabia ya mkristo.

## The Outline of Philemon There is only one chapter in the book of Philemon, which can be outlined in at least two ways: 1. A private letter of intercession - Greetings (1:1-7) - Testimonial concerning the changed character of Onesimus (1:10,11) - Appeal for forgiveness (1:12-19) - Promise of making good any losses (1:18,19) - Great wisdom with humility used (1:20, 21) - Paul's request (1:22) - Closing remarks (1:23-25) 2. An illustration of the gospel method - A challenge to be a servant like Jesus was - Four wonderful blessings of practical Christianity - The message of end-time deliverance For the sake of this study, we will look at the second method of outlining this epistle.