Family Bible Time: How to Read an Epistle
Family guide · How to Read an Epistle · Philemon 1-25 · about 15 minutes
Big idea: A New Testament letter addresses real people and circumstances before it is applied to later readers.
In about 15 minutes, read Philemon 1-25 and explore this big idea: A New Testament letter addresses real people and circumstances before it is applied to later readers.
The 15-minute flow
- 2 minConnect. Recall where How to Read an Epistle fits in the Bible story.
- 5 minRead. Read or retell Philemon 1-25 and notice two details.
- 3 minUnderstand. Ask what the passage directly says and what meaning follows from it.
- 3 minPlay. Use the How to Read an Epistle Evidence Grid orally or on paper.
- 2 minRespond. Choose one voluntary response and pray together.
Talk about it
- What happened or what was taught?
- What does this show us about God, Jesus, or faithful life?
- What is one response we can practise?
This week
Action: Choose one concrete response connected to this lesson and practise it this week.
Prayer: Thank God for what is clear in the passage; ask for wisdom to respond faithfully without claiming more than the text supports.
Note for parents: Questions are welcome. Do not force disclosure, certainty, public prayer, baptism, or another public religious decision.