Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philemon 1

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philemon 1


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
PHILEMON

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Salutation Phm_1:1-3







Phm_1:3 Greeting

Phm_1:1 a

Phm_1:1 b

Phm_1:2

Phm_1:3 Salutation

Phm_1:1 a

Phm_1:1-2



Phm_1:3 Salutation

Phm_1:1 a

Phm_1:1-2



Phm_1:3 Address

Phm_1:1-3 Philemon's Love and Faith

Phm_1:4-7 Philemon's Love and Faith

Phm_1:4-7 Thanksgiving

vv.4-7 Philemon's Love and Faith

Phm_1:4-7 Thanksgiving and Prayer

Phm_1:4-7 Paul Pleads for Onesimus

Phm_1:8-16







Phm_1:17-20 The Plea for Onesimus

Phm_1:8-16



Philemon's Obedience Encouraged

Phm_1:17-22 Paul's Plea for Onesimus

Phm_1:8-16







Phm_1:17-21 A Request for Onesimus

Phm_1:8-11

Phm_1:12-14

Phm_1:15-16



Phm_1:17-20

Phm_1:21-22 The Request about Onesimus Phm_1:8-21



Phm_1:21-22 Concluding Hopes and Greetings

Phm_1:22 A Personal Request. Good Wishes

Phm_1:22 Final Greetings

Phm_1:23-25 Farewell

Phm_1:23-25

Phm_1:23-24

Phm_1:25 Final Greetings

Phm_1:23-24

Phm_1:25

Phm_1:23-23

Phm_1:25 * Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.

In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.

Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.

READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Where did the early church meet?

2. To whom was this letter addressed?

3. How does this letter reveal the pastoral techniques of Paul?

4. How does this book relate to the issue of slavery?

5. Why is Phm_1:22 surprising?

6. Why is the term "spirit" in small letters?