Book of Philemon — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 1 · Written by: Paul · Approximate date: c. AD 60–62 · Theme: Forgiveness & Brotherhood

Summary of the Book of Philemon

This brief personal letter appeals to Philemon to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus — now a fellow believer — as a dear brother in Christ, showing the transforming power of love within the Christian congregation.

The book of Philemon is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 1 chapters. It was written by Paul approximately c. AD 60–62. The central theme running throughout Philemon is forgiveness & brotherhood — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

Key Verses in Philemon

  • Philem 1:15–16
  • Philem 1:8–9

Notable Passages in Philemon

Philemon 1:15–16

Paul's suggestion that Onesimus may have been separated 'so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother' shows how Jehovah can redeem difficult circumstances for a greater good.

Philemon 1:8–9

Paul's choice to 'appeal on the basis of love rather than command' reflects Jehovah's own approach of drawing people with loving-kindness rather than demanding compliance.

Philemon 1:6

Paul's prayer that Philemon's 'sharing in the faith may make others fully aware of every good thing that is in us for Christ's sake' highlights the testimony value of practical brotherly generosity.

Study Questions for Philemon

As you read the book of Philemon, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:

  1. What does Paul's appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus back 'no longer as a slave, but...as a brother' (v. 16) teach about how faith in Christ transforms social relationships?
  2. How did Paul's approach — appealing on the basis of love rather than commanding (v. 8–9) — model how congregation matters should ideally be handled?
  3. What does Philemon teach about the principle of forgiveness and giving others a fresh start, consistent with Jehovah's own example?
  4. How does Onesimus's transformation from runaway slave to 'useful' (v. 11) minister demonstrate the life-changing power of accepting the good news?
  5. What does this personal letter reveal about Paul's deep care for individuals and the quality of relationships within the early Christian congregation?

How to Study Philemon with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 1 chapters of Philemon in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.

Consider reading Philemon as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

Reading Plans That Include Philemon

The book of Philemon is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.

  • NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation — all 66 books — in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
  • New Testament in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
  • Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
  • Paul's Letters in 30 Days — Dive deep into all 13 letters of the apostle Paul — from Romans to Philemon — in one focused month. (30 days, 87 chapters)
  • Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)

Related Bible Study Topics

Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:

  • Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
  • Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
  • Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
  • Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
  • The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
  • The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
  • What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
  • What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
  • God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
  • Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
  • The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today

Continue Reading the Christian Greek Scriptures

  • Previous book: Book of Titus
  • Next book: Book of Hebrews
  • All 66 Bible Books
  • All Reading Plans
  • JW Study Blog