What Are Friends For?
When we moved to Lumberton, I was quickly informed of a Bible study held every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. It was a men’s study, and a good friend of mine taught it. He is brilliant. He explained that I would not have to teach it.
After a several-month-long study, my friend asked if I would lead the next study because he was ready for a break.
“Well, I guess so. What book do you have in mind?” I asked.
He said that since I was going to lead it, I could choose. After considering Daniel, the Book of Proverbs, or Revelation, I settled on the book of Philemon. It is the shortest book of the Bible—twenty-two verses and 335 words.
My friend was not amused. He asked if the study could last more than one week. I told him I had outlined it and could make it four lessons if I started late, finished early, and talked slowly.
I found it to be a fascinating book. There are three main characters in this book written by Paul. There is Paul, who is in jail; Philemon, a rather wealthy slave owner; and Onesimus, his slave. The owner wanted to keep the slave, while Paul told him that he needed Onesimus.
There is no other book in Scripture quite like it. I would tell you how it ends, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.
See you on Sunday at worship.
Have Fun, David
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