Philemon: Koinonia & Forgiveness - Week 1 Philemon 1:1-3

We start a new series in a new book as we examine Philemon, Paul's “sister” letterns to the Colossia. Philemon is a short letter written by Paul to the owner of the home where the Colossian church met. Even though it is only one chapter, it is packed with deep insight into how we should live as a community of faith and how forgiveness must be a defining characteristic of God’s people. 

Series Overview

The book of Philemon is a brief personal letter from Paul to his friend Philemon. Paul asks Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus. This is a revolutionary act that demonstrates the Gospel in action and shows that all people are equal partners through their fellowship with Christ. In the Messiah, everyone is offered God’s gracious gift of life. Through this grace, believers share a koinonia fellowship and become equal partners, extending forgiveness because Jesus has first forgiven them.