Welcome to CALLED Men’s Group!  If you're looking to move forward in your faith, then this is the place for you!  We are a group of men, called by God to understand who He is, who we are, and what we are CALLED to do for Him!  We study the Bible & discuss together, find projects where we can give back, and encourage each other in spiritual growth! 

INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the tenth meeting of the Winter 2026 Semester for the Called
Men’s Growth Group.

Let’s take a moment to go around the room and introduce ourselves.

Tonight, we are conducting a SOAP study* of Obadiah. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
and Questions.)

Reminder: there is no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend. The purpose of
tonight is to come together, read and study God’s word, develop an understanding, grow in our faith and
have a friendly discussion. Please keep in mind that we are all in different places of our faith journey; we all
come from various backgrounds, have different points of view. It does not matter if you’ve been a believer
for 10 seconds, or 50 years; everyone is welcome; everyone has value; everyone has a voice.

If there are different points of view, we should not feel attacked or be hostile to one another; it is our
different points of view that add to the discussion. We came together tonight as friends and brothers in
Christ. And we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ). Often there is no right or wrong
answer; just interpretation of scripture and even Biblical scholars don’t agree on everything; ultimately,
JESUS IS THE ANSWER.


BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The Book of Philemon is a unique letter in the New Testament. Most letters written by Paul were addressed to entire
churches to offer direction and guidance. What sets this letter apart from the others is that this letter is addressed to
the induvial, Philemon, and it is a deeply personal, private letter. We can use Paul’s letter now in our time to help
deepen our faith.

1. Author: Paul, identifies himself immediately in the first verse, Timothy is also mentioned in the greeting, however
Biblical Scholars almost all agree and note that the body of the message is clearly Paul’s personal plea. Paul writes as a
"prisoner of Christ Jesus." In the New Living Translation, this emphasizes Paul’s humility and the shared bond with the
recipient, Philemon.

2. The Recipient/Audience:

•  Philemon: A wealthy Christian leader in Colossae and a personal friend of Paul. The local Colossian church

actually met in his home. https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_church_in_philemon's_house.htm
The Church in Philemon's House is a significant example of the early Christian practice of meeting in private
homes for worship, fellowship, and instruction. This practice was common in the first century due to the lack
of formal church buildings and the need for discretion amidst periods of persecution. Paul’s letter to
Philemon, provides insight into the early Christian community.
Philemon's social status and resources likely enabled him to host a congregation in his home, providing a space
for believers to gather. His role as a host indicates his leadership and commitment to the early church.

• Apphia, Biblical Scholars believe that this was Philemon’s wife.
• Archippus, Biblical Scholars believe that this might have been their son, or fellow leader in the church.
• Onesimus: While in prison, Paul met the runaway Onesimus, led him to faith in Christ, and developed a father-

son relationship with him. Onesimus was also a bondservant or slave, who belonged to Philemon; he had
robbed Philemon and fled to Rome to disappear and hide among the people there.

3. The Dilemma:
Under Roman law, a runaway slave could be severely punished or even executed. However, Paul was now sending
Onesimus back to Colossae. He wrote this letter to ensure that Philemon would receive Onesimus not as a criminal,
but as a "beloved brother."

4. Significance and Core Message:

• Reconciliation: The transition from "useless" to "useful." (In Greek, the name Onesimus actually means

"useful," a pun Paul uses in verse 11)

• Intercession: Paul offers to pay any debts Onesimus owes, echoing the way Christ intercedes for humanity.
• Equality in Christ: Paul subtly but powerfully undermines the institution of slavery by telling Philemon to treat

Onesimus as he would treat Paul himself. He is no longer just a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a
beloved brother, especially to me. (v. 16)

PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your
word. Lord, we honor your free gift of salvation. Help us to understand that our salvation is not earned, but a gift
from you. Help us show YOUR love and kindness to others through us. Help us to bring joy, comfort, and refreshment
to the hearts of your church and your people. In Jesus’ name– Amen

Reminder: Key differences between slavery in Jesus' time and early colonial slavery include:
• Historical Context: In Jesus' time, slavery was a part of the Roman Empire, where it was common and often
accepted, while early colonial slavery was often based on forced labor and was more oppressive and
exploitative.
• Motive for Slavery: In ancient times, the primary motive was often economic relief for the servant, whereas in
colonial times, slaves were taken for economic gain by their masters.
• Entry into Slavery: In ancient times the path to slavery was often voluntary, while in colonial times, people
were taken into captivity against their will.
• Treatment of Slaves: In the New Testament, slaves were treated with respect, and there were guidelines for
their treatment, which were not always upheld by Christians.
• Abolition of Slavery: The New Testament reflects a gradual shift towards treating slaves with dignity, and there
were movements advocating for their freedom, which were not present in the early colonial context.

These differences highlight the evolving attitudes towards slavery over time and the impact of religious teachings
on societal views. See the following links for more information:

• https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/slavery-in-the-new-testament/
• https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/four-differences-between-new-testament-servitude-and-new-world- slavery/
• https://www.americanbible.org/engage/bible-resources/articles/slaves-and-servants-in-the-time-of-jesus-history- and-culture/

Key verses and topics for discussion:
The wordplay in Philemon is one of the most clever aspects of Paul’s writing. Even though he is writing a serious letter
about a legal and life-threatening matters, he uses humor and linguistic irony to soften Philemon’s heart.

1. The Name "Onesimus"

The most famous pun in the letter is found in verse 11. The name Onesimus ($Ὀνήσιμος$) literally translates to
"Useful" or "Profitable." * The Joke: Paul writes, "Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is
very useful to both of us" (NLT).

• The Irony: Paul is essentially saying, "Useful (Onesimus) used to be Useless to you, but now Useful is finallyliving up to his name."

2. The Financial Pun (The "Credit" Pun)
In verse 18, Paul uses a specific commercial term when he says, "If he has wronged you in any way or owes you
anything, charge it to me."

• The Greek Term: Paul uses the word $ἐλλόγα$ (elloga), which was a technical accounting term meaning "to

put on one’s ledger."

• The Twist: In verse 19, Paul reminds Philemon, "I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!" * The Logic:

Paul is playing with the concept of spiritual debt versus financial debt. He says, "Put his debt on my tab—but
don't forget that your entire spiritual life is on my tab."

3. The "Refreshment" Wordplay
In verses 7 and 20, Paul uses a specific word for "refresh" ($ἀναπαύω$).

• Verse 7: Paul praises Philemon because he has refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
• Verse 20: Paul then makes a bold request: "Yes, brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me

this help—refresh my heart in Christ."

• The Strategy: Paul is essentially saying, "You have a reputation for being a 'refresher.' Don't stop now! Refresh

me by forgiving Onesimus."

4. The "Partnership" Concept
In verse 17, Paul calls Philemon his "partner" ($κοινωνός$).
In the Greco-Roman world, a "partner" was someone with whom you shared a legal or business bond. By using this
word, Paul elevates Philemon from a student to a peer, but then immediately asks him to treat a slave as a "partner"
as well. This was a radical social "pun" that flipped the Roman hierarchy upside down.

Discussion Questions:
You might think that applying the Book of Philemon to the 21st century isn’t possible because the legal structure of
"slavery" has been eliminated most of the modern world. However, the underlying dynamics—power, debt,
forgiveness, and social status—are as relevant as ever.

1. The Challenge of "Equalizing" Relationships
In verse 16, Paul tells Philemon to receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother."

• Modern Application: In our current workplaces or social circles, how can we treat those "below" us in a

hierarchy (employees, service workers, or juniors) with the dignity of a spiritual equal? What does it look like
to prioritize "brotherhood/sisterhood" over a professional title?

2. Forgiveness vs. Restoration
Philemon had every legal right to be angry; Onesimus had actually wronged him. Paul doesn't ask Philemon to ignore
the wrong, but to "welcome him as you would welcome me" (v. 17).

• Modern Application: What is the difference between simply "letting go" of a grudge and fully restoring

someone to a position of trust? When someone has truly wronged us and then changed, what barriers prevent
us from offering a "full welcome" like the one Paul requested?

3. The Role of the "Intercessor"
Paul stepped into the middle of a conflict, offering to pay the debt of the person who caused the harm (v. 18).

• Modern Application: Have you ever seen someone "put it on my tab" to resolve a conflict between two other

people? When is it appropriate for us to step into a messy situation and offer our own resources (time, money,
or reputation) to help two others reconcile?

4. The Power of Persuasion vs. Command
Paul says he has the authority to command Philemon, but he chooses to appeal to him on the basis of love (v. 8-9).

• Modern Application: In our leadership roles (as parents, bosses, or mentors), when is it better to "appeal to

love" rather than just "pulling rank" or quoting the rules? Why is a heart-level change more effective than
forced obedience?

5. Dealing with "Useless" Labels
Paul plays on the name Onesimus (meaning "Useful"), noting that he was once "useless" but is now "useful" (v. 11).

• Modern Application: Our society often labels people based on their past mistakes (e.g., "criminal," "failure,"

"addict"). How does the Gospel challenge us to look past these labels and see someone's potential for being
"useful" to God’s kingdom today?

6. The "Social Cost" of the Gospel
For Philemon to accept a runaway slave as a brother, he would have likely faced judgment or confusion from his
wealthy neighbors in Colossae.

• Modern Application: What are the modern "social costs" of practicing radical Christian forgiveness? If you

forgave or reconciled with someone the world tells you to hate, what would your friends or colleagues think?
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Read and Discuss Aligning Bible Verses:

1. On Breaking Social Barriers
Galatians 3:23-29 "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."
This is the theological foundation for Philemon. Paul wasn't just being "nice" to Onesimus; he was practicing what he
preached in Galatians. In the Kingdom of God, the legal status of "slave" and "master" is eclipsed by their shared
identity in Christ.

2. On Forgiveness and Debt
Colossians 3:1-17 "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord
forgave you, so you must forgive others."
Since the letter to the Colossians was delivered at the same time as the letter to Philemon, this verse serves as the
"instruction manual" for Philemon’s specific situation. It reminds Philemon that his own debt to God was canceled, so
he has no grounds to hold a debt against Onesimus.

3. On Christlike Substitution and On Seeing People Differently
2 Corinthians 5:11-21 "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against
them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." And "So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!"
When Paul tells Philemon to "charge it to me" (v. 18), he is acting as a "mini-Christ." Just as Christ took our "ledger" of
sins and paid it Himself, Paul offers to cover the cost of Onesimus’s theft to make reconciliation possible.
Before meeting Paul, Philemon saw Onesimus only through a "human point of view"—as property and a thief. Paul’s
letter is a plea for Philemon to use "Kingdom eyes" to see a brother and a fellow heir to eternal life.

4. On Humility and Service
Philippians 2:4-11 "Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."
Paul lived this out by spending his limited "social capital" as an Apostle to protect a runaway slave. He could have
ignored Onesimus’s problem to focus on his own legal defense in Rome, but he chose to prioritize the restoration of a
broken relationship instead.

Other questions to explore:

• What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
• What and where is this happening?
  • What makes what was happening meaningful?
  • Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
• Who is involved?
  • How do they respond to God?
  • What character traits do you notice about them?
  • What is the significance of their involvement?
• What do you think is the key message?
• Did anything that surprised or stood out to you? What was it? Share with the group and discuss.
• Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.
• Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

---

• Is there anything that left you with more questions? Share with group, discuss, and research.
• Biggest takeaway?

monitor www.fv.church/events for more information about the next semester.

Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
3. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-
true-images-revolution/
4. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
5. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.

January 2026:
_x_ 001, 01/14 1 John 1:1 – 10 + Introduction (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 002, 01/21 1 John 2:1 – 29 (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 003, 01/28 1 John 3:1 – 24 (Instructor: David Goodno)

February 2026:
_x_ 004, 02/04 1 John 4:1 – 21 (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 005, 02/11 1 John 5:1 – 21 (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 006, 02/18 2 John (1):1 – 13 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 007, 02/25 3 John (1):1 – 15 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)

March 2026:
_x_ 008, 03/04 Jude (1):1 – 25 + Introduction (Instructor: David Goodno)
_x_ 009, 03/11 Obadiah (1):1 – 21 + Introduction (Instructor: Chad Huestis)
_x_ 010, 03/18 Philemon (1):1 – 25 + Introduction* (Instructor: Tom Landis)
__ 011, 03/25 Bible History and Translations* -- (Instructor: Chad)*

*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.