DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH

Philemon

Philemon. This epistle, written from prison, is part of the group made up of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and 2 Timothy, and takes its place in the structure of these epistles as follows:

A Ephesians Basic truth setting forth the Mystery

B Philippians Exhortations to run, the Prize in view

C Philemon A letter from Paul, requesting hospitality, etc.

A Colossians Basic truth, complement to Ephesians

B 2 Timothy Exhortations, complement to Philippians.

Philemon is as much a part of all Scripture as Ephesians, but the reason we speak of "four" Prison Epistles, and not "five" is because the four contain definite teaching concerning the dispensation of the Mystery and form the basis of our hope and calling, whereas Philemon, precious as it is, does not contribute anything specific that is not set out in fuller measure in the other four epistles.

As this analysis is primarily concerned with Dispensational Truth, we refrain from further or fuller comment, except that every believer should seek grace to emulate the love that breathes through this brief epistle.

An Alphabetical Analysis