Paul concludes this very personal letter in a typical fashion; sending greetings from “fellow workers” and praying for the grace of the Lord Jesus to fall on his friend and fellow laborer for the cause of Christ.

[Philemon 1.22-25]

22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Have you ever received a letter or had a talk with someone you greatly admired (or even loved) where they asked you to do something for them, as a favor? How did you respond? How did it make you feel? Share stories with your Community Group.

+ Some argue that Paul’s letter to Philemon actually “advocates” slavery due to the fact that he does not denounce this practice directly? How do you respond to such criticism?

+ The people named in verse 23 are also listed in Colossians 4:10-14. Learn what you can about these “fellow workers” from other Biblical sources.

+ Paul opened and closed several of his epistles “wishing” grace upon the recipient(s) of these letters. What does it mean when he says to Philemon “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit”?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Paul could definitely “bring it” when he had to (see Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 5, Galatians 5:7-12). This letter definitely shows a “softer side” of the great Apostle. I pray that all who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord (including me!!!) can learn when situations call for a firm or a soft touch from us.

This letter is a model of understated persuasion, a tacit appeal to apply the grace of the gospel to an interpersonal relationship in which serious wrong has been committed. It brings us close to Paul’s ministry so that we can practically feel his profound desire to make Christian love the first rule of human action. (The Reformation Study Bible, The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon, 2015) Side note: If you have never seen the movie “Paul, Apostle of Christ”, I highly recommend it. It helps you imagine what this giant of the faith was possibly like. As great as he was, we must remember Paul was human, just like us. And like us, he was called “to turn the world upside down” for Jesus. (Acts 17:1-7). We may never change the course of history, but we can certainly change the eternal destiny of someone we know!!!

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?