Philemon

This is the thirteenth in a series of twenty-one summaries of the New Testament letters.  The thirteenth is Philemon, and the outline comes from Nils Lund:

a   Salutation, 1-3
     b   Philemon's Conduct, 4-6
          c   Paul Experienced Much Joy, 7
               d   Paul Refrains from Pressing Claims, 8-11
                    e   Paul and Onesimus - He is Beloved by Paul, 12-15
                    e'  Paul and Onesimus - Philemon Should Love Him Also, 16-17
               d'  Paul Offers to Reimburse Philemon, 18-19
          c'  Paul Expects Much Joy, 20
     b'  Philemon's Conduct Toward Paul, 21-22
a'  Salutation, 23-25

The 'a' pattern links the introduction to the conclusion.

The 'b' pattern has to do with Philemon's conduct.  The first section focuses on Philemon's love toward the church and his faith in Christ.  In the second section, Paul writes to Philemon of a new expression of love and obedience in response to Paul's request.

The 'c' pattern expresses the joy Paul has experienced from Philemon, and in the second section, the joy Paul expects to experience.  In the first section, Paul speaks of the joy that Philemon's love has given him.  In the second section, Paul asks Philemon to "refresh my heart in Christ" in response to his request.

The 'd' pattern links Paul's appeal to have Onesimus sent to him to Paul's offer to reimburse Philemon.  In the first section, Paul says he prefers to appeal to Philemon on the basis of love, although, he says, "I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do." (8).  In the second section, Paul says to charge him if Onesimus has done anything wrong, and he will pay it back, and, he says, "not to mention that you owe me your very self." (19)

The 'e' pattern centers on Onesimus.  In the first section, Paul would like Onesimus to take Philemon's place "in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel." (13).  In the second section, Paul says, "welcome him as you would welcome me." (17).  In other words, in the first section, Onesimus would be a subsitute for Philemon in Paul's ministry.  In the second section, Philemon is being asked to see Onesimus as a substitute for Paul.