I. Key Figures and Relationships:;xNLx;;xNLx;Philemon (Philemon 1): The primary recipient of the letter, a wealthy Christian leader in whose house a church met (likely in Colossae). He was a "beloved fellow worker" of Paul. The letter is an appeal to him concerning his runaway slave, Onesimus.;xNLx;Onesimus (Philemon 10, 11, 16): Philemon's slave who had run away, encountered Paul, and had become a Christian ("my child...whose father I became in my imprisonment"). Paul sends him back to Philemon, appealing for him to be received as a "beloved brother." His name means "useful" or "profitable," a play on words Paul uses (v. 11).;xNLx;Apphia (Philemon 2): A Christian woman, likely Philemon's wife, addressed in the letter's salutation.;xNLx;Archippus (Philemon 2): A fellow worker with Paul and Philemon, possibly Philemon's son or a leader in the church at Colossae (also mentioned in Colossians 4:17). He is called "our fellow soldier.";xNLx;Prisoner (of Christ Jesus / for Christ Jesus) (Philemon 1, 9, 13, 23): Paul refers to himself (and Epaphras) as a prisoner, indicating he was incarcerated for his faith and ministry in proclaiming Christ. This status adds weight and humility to his appeal.;xNLx;II. Social and Relational Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Slave / Bondservant (Greek: doulos) (Philemon 16): In the first-century Roman Empire, a slave was a person legally owned by another and required to perform labor and service. Slavery was a pervasive institution. Onesimus was Philemon's slave. Paul's appeal radically redefines their relationship in Christ.;xNLx;Master / Lord (Greek: kyrios) (Philemon 16, implicitly referring to Philemon's relationship to Onesimus as his owner; kyrios is also used for "Lord" Jesus Christ throughout): The one who owned a slave and had authority over them. While Philemon was Onesimus's earthly master, Paul emphasizes their shared submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.;xNLx;Brother (beloved brother) (Philemon 1, 7, 16, 20): A term used for fellow Christians, emphasizing their spiritual kinship and equality in Christ, regardless of social status. Paul appeals for Philemon to receive Onesimus "no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother" (v. 16).;xNLx;Fellow worker / Fellow soldier (Philemon 1, 2, 24): Terms Paul uses to describe his associates in gospel ministry, highlighting their shared labor and struggle for the faith.;xNLx;Partnership / Fellowship (Greek: koinonia) (Philemon 6, 17):;xNLx;"Sharing of your faith" (v. 6, ESV): The active expression and generosity stemming from Philemon's faith, which Paul prays would become effective.;xNLx;"If you consider me your partner" (v. 17): Paul appeals to his close relationship and shared standing in Christ with Philemon as a basis for Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself.;xNLx;Refresh (the hearts of the saints) (Philemon 7, 20): To give rest, comfort, encouragement, or renewed vigor. Paul commends Philemon for having refreshed the hearts of fellow believers and appeals for Philemon to refresh his (Paul's) own heart in Christ by forgiving and restoring Onesimus.;xNLx;Benefit / Useful / Profitable (Philemon 11, 14, 20): Paul uses a play on Onesimus's name (which means "useful"). Onesimus was formerly "useless" to Philemon (perhaps as a runaway or an uncooperative slave) but has now become "useful" both to Philemon and to Paul, especially because of his conversion. Paul desires that any "good deed" (benefit) from Philemon be voluntary.;xNLx;Charge it to my account (Philemon 18): Paul offers to personally take financial responsibility for any wrong Onesimus has done to Philemon or any debt he owes, demonstrating his own sacrificial love and desire for reconciliation.;xNLx;III. Ethical and Theological Concepts:;xNLx;;xNLx;Love (Philemon 1, 5, 7, 9, 16): A central Christian virtue. Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of love, commends Philemon's love for all the saints, and encourages him to receive Onesimus as a "beloved" brother.;xNLx;Faith (Philemon 5, 6): Trust and belief in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints. Philemon's faith is a basis for Paul's appeal.;xNLx;Grace (Philemon 3, 25): God's unmerited favor and kindness, the foundation of salvation and Christian relationships. Paul begins and ends his letter with a blessing of grace.;xNLx;Forgiveness (Implied throughout the letter, e.g., Philemon 10, 16-19): While the word "forgive" is not explicitly used by Paul in his appeal, the entire letter is a plea for Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away and any wrong he may have committed, and to restore him to a new relationship.;xNLx;Reconciliation (The central aim of the letter): The restoration of a broken relationship. Paul seeks to reconcile Onesimus with Philemon on a new basis of Christian brotherhood.;xNLx;Obedience (Philemon 21): Paul expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience to his appeal, trusting he will do "even more" than Paul asks, implying a response consistent with Christian love and forgiveness.;xNLx;Voluntary / Not by compulsion (Philemon 14): Paul desires Philemon's act of receiving Onesimus back kindly to be a willing and heartfelt action, not something done under pressure or obligation.;xNLx;Saints (Philemon 5, 7): "Holy ones"; a common New Testament term for Christians, emphasizing they are set apart by God.;xNLx;Church in your house (Philemon 2): In the early Christian period, believers often met for worship and fellowship in private homes. Philemon hosted such a congregation.;xNLx;IV. Other Notable Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Aged man (Philemon 9): Paul refers to himself as an "old man" (or "ambassador" in some manuscripts/translations, as the Greek words are similar) and a prisoner, adding a gentle weight to his appeal.;xNLx;"My very heart" (Philemon 12): An expression of Paul's deep affection and personal connection to Onesimus, whom he describes as like his own heart.;xNLx;"What is required" / "Bold enough to command you" (Philemon 8): Paul acknowledges his apostolic authority to command Philemon but chooses instead to appeal on the basis of love.;xNLx;This list aims to provide clarity on some of the key terms encountered in Paul's concise but powerful letter to Philemon (ESV). Understanding these words within their first-century social and Christian context illuminates the radical nature of Paul's appeal for reconciliation and the transformative impact of the gospel on human relationships, even within challenging structures like slavery.