Philemon1

Paul, a prisoner, writes to Philemon, commending his faith and love toward the Lord Jesus and all saints. He then appeals on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway servant whom Paul has converted during his imprisonment. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ, offering to repay any debt Onesimus might owe.

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Salutation and Recipients

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker,

and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer and Commendation

I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,

hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;

that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.

For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

The Appeal for Onesimus

Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,

yet for love’s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:

I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,

who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:

whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:

whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.

But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account;

I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.

Concluding Assurance and Greetings

Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.

Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;

and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Study Notes for Philemon 1

Verse 1

Paul identifies himself as a 'prisoner of Jesus Christ,' appealing not on his apostolic authority but on his suffering and vulnerability, thereby softening the tone for the difficult request to follow.

Verse 2

Apphia is likely Philemon’s wife, and Archippus possibly their son or a local minister. The 'church in thy house' indicates that Philemon hosted the local Christian assembly, giving the letter a semi-public character.

Verse 4

This typical Pauline opening establishes rapport by expressing genuine gratitude for Philemon’s spiritual reputation before introducing the main topic.

Verse 6

The 'communication of thy faith' (Gk. *koinonia*) refers to the active sharing or fellowship resulting from Philemon’s faith, emphasizing that true faith must be expressed in practical, charitable acts toward others.

Verse 7

To 'refresh the bowels' (Gk. *splagchna*) means to comfort the innermost being or heart. Paul commends Philemon for his reputation as one who spiritually and emotionally supports fellow believers.

Verse 8

Paul transitions to the request by asserting his right to command (as an apostle) but immediately sets that right aside, choosing instead to appeal based on love.

Verse 9

Paul strategically uses his status as 'the aged' and 'a prisoner' to enhance the emotional weight of his personal petition, making it harder for Philemon to refuse.

Verse 10

Onesimus is formally introduced. Paul calls him 'my son,' indicating that Paul led the runaway slave to conversion while both were imprisoned.

Verse 11

This verse contains a wordplay: the name *Onesimus* means 'profitable.' Paul contrasts his former state (unprofitable) with his new status in Christ (profitable), both spiritually and practically.

Verse 12

By sending Onesimus back, Paul demonstrates respect for Philemon’s legal rights. Calling Onesimus 'mine own bowels' (my heart) highlights the deep affection Paul now holds for his convert.

Verse 13

Paul explains that he desired to keep Onesimus to serve him in prison, essentially having Onesimus serve as Philemon’s representative (in thy stead).

Verse 14

Paul upholds the principle that Christian good deeds must be voluntary. He refuses to compel Philemon, ensuring that Philemon's acceptance of Onesimus would be a willing act of grace.

Verse 15

Paul suggests divine providence was at work in the temporary separation (Onesimus running away), leading to a permanent, transformed relationship based on shared faith ('receive him for ever').

Verse 16

This verse presents the core theological demand: Onesimus is no longer merely property ('servant' or slave), but a 'brother beloved.' The Gospel fundamentally redefines social relationships within the church.

Verse 17

Paul uses shared partnership in the Gospel to validate his request. Receiving Onesimus as Paul himself means offering the slave the same honor, respect, and welcome due to the apostle.

Verse 18

Paul offers to cover any financial loss or debt Onesimus may have incurred, acting as a personal guarantor.

Verse 19

Paul emphasizes his sincerity by writing the guarantee himself. The subtle reminder that Philemon owes Paul 'even thine own self' is a powerful, gentle leverage, suggesting Paul was instrumental in Philemon's conversion.

Verse 20

Paul reiterates his plea for Philemon to 'refresh my bowels,' tying Philemon’s welcome of Onesimus directly to Paul’s personal comfort and joy in the Lord.

Verse 21

Paul expresses confidence in Philemon’s obedience and generosity, implying that true Christian love should motivate him to do more than simply forgive—perhaps even grant Onesimus his freedom.

Verse 22

The request to prepare lodging serves as a gentle form of pressure, ensuring Philemon knows Paul expects to arrive soon and personally observe the resolution of the matter.

Verse 23

Epaphras, mentioned elsewhere as a faithful Colossian minister, sends greetings, showing that this request is known and supported by the wider Christian community.

Verse 24

The list includes important figures like Mark (who later wrote the Gospel) and Luke (the author of the Gospel and Acts), reinforcing the letter's apostolic authority.

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Philemon1

Salutation and Recipients

Paul’s Prayer and Commendation

The Appeal for Onesimus

Concluding Assurance and Greetings

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