Philemon 1:16

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Not now {G3765} as {G5613} a servant {G1401}, but {G235} above {G5228} a servant {G1401}, a brother {G80} beloved {G27}, specially {G3122} to me {G1698}, but {G1161} how much {G4214} more {G3123} unto thee {G4671}, both {G2532} in {G1722} the flesh {G4561}, and {G2532} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}?

no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, as a dear brother. And that he is, especially to me. But how much dearer he must be to you, both humanly and in union with the Lord!

no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.

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.

Context

Philemon 1:16 is a pivotal verse in Paul's deeply personal letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae. The letter concerns Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, who encountered Paul in prison and became a Christian. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a fugitive to be punished, but as a transformed individual. This verse encapsulates Paul's plea for Philemon to receive Onesimus with a new perspective, reflecting the radical impact of the Gospel on social relationships within the early Christian church.

Key Themes

  • Transformation and New Identity: The core message is the spiritual transformation of Onesimus. He is no longer merely a "servant" (doulos, often translated 'slave' in this context), but a "brother beloved." This highlights how conversion to Christ radically alters one's identity and standing before God and fellow believers.
  • Christian Brotherhood Transcends Social Status: Paul argues that the bond of Christ's love (agape) elevates Onesimus beyond his former social standing as a slave. This demonstrates the early church's revolutionary understanding that in Christ, traditional societal hierarchies, including the master-slave relationship, are re-evaluated and superseded by spiritual equality. This echoes Paul's teaching that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
  • Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Implicit in Paul's request is the call for Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus, not just as a returning slave, but as a valued spiritual family member. This exemplifies practical forgiveness and restoration within the Christian community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved" uses the Greek word doulos for 'servant,' which more accurately means 'slave' or 'bondservant.' Paul's careful phrasing underscores the dramatic shift in Onesimus's status. The term "brother beloved" (adelphon agapeton) signifies a deep spiritual and affectionate bond, emphasizing the love shared among believers. The distinction "both in the flesh, and in the Lord" is crucial: "in the flesh" refers to their earthly, practical relationship (Philemon still owned Onesimus, and Onesimus was still part of his household), while "in the Lord" points to their new, eternal spiritual relationship, which transcends earthly social structures. Paul's hope is that the spiritual reality will redefine the earthly one.

Practical Application

Philemon 1:16 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Valuing Every Individual: It challenges us to see people not by their social status, background, or past mistakes, but by their inherent dignity as God's creation and their new identity in Christ. Every person, regardless of their position, is a potential "brother beloved" or "sister beloved" in the Lord.
  • Bridging Divides: This verse calls Christians to actively work towards bridging social, economic, and racial divides, recognizing that in Christ, we are a new creation. Our spiritual unity should inform and transform our earthly interactions.
  • Practicing Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Like Philemon, we are called to extend grace and welcome to those who may have wronged us, especially when they have genuinely transformed. This fosters true community and reflects the heart of God, who has reconciled us to Himself. Paul's appeal to Philemon for Onesimus to be received as a partner in the faith is a powerful example for us.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

  • Matthew 23:8

    But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:22

    For he that is called in the Lord, [being] a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, [being] free, is Christ's servant.

  • 1 Timothy 6:2

    And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

  • Ephesians 6:5

    Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

  • Ephesians 6:7

    With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

  • 1 Peter 1:22

    Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back