1.

Read vs. 7-8.  Although Paul was in chains, he had ways to communicate with fellow brethren in the Lord about God’s work. What can we learn from Paul about the way to serve the Lord despite personal difficulties?

2.

Read v. 9. Who is Onesimus? (Philemon 1:8-21)  What can we learn from Paul who, despite his chains, ministered to Onesimus?

3. 

Read vs. 10-11. Paul was in chains because of the Jews. Yet, the Lord God provided Paul with three fellow workers from among the Jews (Aritarchus, Mark, and Jesus called Justus). What can we learn here from the Lord?

4. 

Read vs. 12-13.  Paul speaks highly of Epaphras.  What does Paul’s commendation tell us about the mighty work that can be done despite such obstacles and hardships as being in chains?

5. 

Read v. 14a. Luke is a (medical) doctor for Paul, who later wrote the Gospel of Luke. (Also consider Mark in verse 10a who wrote the Gospel of Mark.) What can we learn from God who used Paul in chains?

6.

Read v. 14b and compare the way Paul describes Demas in other epistles. (Philemon 1:24; 2 Tim 4:10)  How must Paul have felt about Demas later when Demas deserted him? What warnings are there for us to heed? (1 John 2:15-17)

7.

Read vs. 16-18. What does this passage tell us about the Lord who used Paul even while in chains?