Philemon — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on philemon, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Philemon 1:1 (KJV)
How does Paul describe himself in the opening verse of the epistle?
Answer: A prisoner of Jesus Christ
Study note. Paul begins by calling himself 'a prisoner of Jesus Christ'.
Lesson 2 · Philemon 1:1 (KJV)
Whom does Paul call 'our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer'?
Answer: Philemon
Study note. The letter is addressed primarily to 'Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer'.
Lesson 3 · Philemon 1:2 (KJV)
Paul mentions a woman in his greeting; what is her name?
Answer: Apphia
Study note. Paul includes 'our beloved Apphia' in the opening salutation.
Lesson 4 · Philemon 1:2 (KJV)
Where does Paul say the church is located in this context?
Answer: In thy house
Study note. Paul addresses the church which is 'in thy house'.
Lesson 5 · Philemon 1:4 (KJV)
What does Paul say he does 'always' for Philemon?
Answer: Makes mention of him in his prayers
Study note. Paul states, 'I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers'.
Lesson 6 · Philemon 1:11 (KJV)
What was the status of Onesimus in the past compared to now, according to Paul?
Answer: In time past unprofitable, but now profitable
Study note. Paul describes Onesimus as one who 'in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable'.
Lesson 7 · Philemon 1:10 (KJV)
Paul says he begat Onesimus while in what condition?
Answer: In his bonds
Study note. Paul refers to Onesimus as 'my son... whom I have begotten in my bonds'.
Lesson 8 · Philemon 1:17 (KJV)
How does Paul ask Philemon to receive Onesimus?
Answer: As myself
Study note. Paul requests, 'If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself'.
Lesson 9 · Philemon 1:18 (KJV)
If Onesimus owed Philemon anything, what did Paul instruct Philemon to do?
Answer: Put that on mine account
Study note. Paul writes, 'if he... oweth thee ought, put that on mine account'.
Lesson 10 · Philemon 1:23 (KJV)
Whom does Paul call his 'fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus' at the end of the letter?
Answer: Epaphras
Study note. Paul sends greetings from 'Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus'.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does philemon point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?