3. Determine how the paragraphs relate to one another. Since 17-20 contains the first overt imperative of the letter and since the other imperatives in this paragraph further support it, this paragraph is semantically the most dominant in the body of the letter. The other three paragraphs will be related to it in some support fashion. (4-7) - I am moved because you love all the saints (8-16) - I am appealing to you on behalf of Onesimus and am sending him back to you as a brother. (17-20) - Forgive him and welcome him back as you would me. (21-22) - I am sure you will do more than I ask; prepare a room for me grounds 1 (4-7) grounds 2 (8-16) THEME (17-20) grounds 3 (21-22) Verses 21-22 actually serve 3 purposes: 1) Summary of exhortation in 17-20) 2) Makes secondary request for lodging 3) Closure of the body of the letter 4. What is the theology of the text? We must practice forgiveness for Christ’s sake. 5. Why, Where and How in the lives of the people do they need to apply the theology?
3. Determine how the paragraphs relate to one another. Since 17-20 contains the first overt imperative of the letter and since the other imperatives in this paragraph further support it, this paragraph is semantically the most dominant in the body of the letter. The other three paragraphs will be related to it in some support fashion. (4-7) - I am moved because you love all the saints (8-16) - I am appealing to you on behalf of Onesimus and am sending him back to you as a brother. (17-20) - Forgive him and welcome him back as you would me. (21-22) - I am sure you will do more than I ask; prepare a room for me grounds 1 (4-7) grounds 2 (8-16) THEME (17-20) grounds 3 (21-22) Verses 21-22 actually serve 3 purposes: 1) Summary of exhortation in 17-20) 2) Makes secondary request for lodging 3) Closure of the body of the letter 4. What is the theology of the text? We must practice forgiveness for Christ’s sake. 5. Why, Where and How in the lives of the people do they need to apply the theology?