Philemon 1:17

KJV

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G1487} thou count {G2192} me {G1691} therefore {G3767} a partner {G2844}, receive {G4355} him {G846} as {G5613} myself {G1691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So if you are in fellowship with me, receive him as you would me.

Berean Standard Bible

So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philemon 1:17 stands as the pivotal request within Paul's deeply personal letter, urging Philemon to extend radical grace and acceptance to Onesimus, his runaway slave who had become a brother in Christ. By appealing to their shared spiritual partnership, Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a returning servant, but with the same honor, love, and full acceptance he would afford Paul himself, thereby demonstrating the transformative and unifying power of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Paul's gentle yet firm appeal to Philemon concerning Onesimus. Paul has already established his own authority and affection for Philemon (Philemon 1:1-7), expressed his joy over Philemon's faith and love, and even playfully suggested he *could* command Philemon but prefers to appeal to his love (Philemon 1:8-9). He introduces Onesimus, whom he has "begotten in my bonds" (Philemon 1:10), emphasizing Onesimus's spiritual transformation from "unprofitable" to "profitable" (Philemon 1:11). Paul then explains his reluctance to keep Onesimus, sending him back to Philemon not as a slave, but as a "beloved brother" (Philemon 1:12-16). Philemon 1:17 directly follows this, serving as the explicit request for Philemon to embody the implications of Onesimus's new status in Christ by receiving him as he would Paul. The subsequent verses (Philemon 1:18-21) offer Paul's willingness to cover any debts Onesimus incurred and express confidence in Philemon's obedience, reinforcing the weight of this central request.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The letter is set against the backdrop of Roman slavery, a pervasive institution unlike later forms of chattel slavery. Slaves constituted a significant portion of the Roman Empire's population, and their legal status was that of property. A runaway slave (Latin: *fugitivus*) faced severe penalties, including branding, forced labor, torture, or even execution. Returning a runaway slave was a legal obligation for citizens. Paul's request for Philemon to "receive him as myself" was revolutionary, directly challenging the prevailing social and legal norms. It implied not just clemency, but full restoration and acceptance into the household, potentially even freedom, though Paul does not explicitly command manumission. This radical plea highlights the counter-cultural nature of early Christian community, where social hierarchies were subverted by the spiritual equality found in Christ. The letter also reflects the private nature of such appeals, as Paul navigates a sensitive issue between believers without undermining societal order but transforming relationships from within.

* **Key Themes:** Philemon 1:17 powerfully encapsulates several major themes present in the letter and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Partnership and Fellowship** (*koinonia*). Paul appeals to the spiritual bond he shares with Philemon, suggesting that their shared participation in the Gospel demands a particular response to Onesimus. This theme is foundational to Paul's ministry, as seen in his thanks for the Philippians' "fellowship in the gospel" in [Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Radical Forgiveness and Reconciliation**. Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus not just superficially, but to fully reconcile with him, treating him with the same honor Paul himself would receive. This echoes the broader New Testament call to mutual forgiveness and peace, as exemplified in [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bearing and Forgiving"). Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates **Christian Equality and Brotherhood in Christ**. Onesimus, formerly a runaway slave, is now a "beloved brother" (Philemon 1:16). Paul's request for Philemon to receive Onesimus "as myself" transcends social distinctions, demonstrating that in Christ, traditional societal statuses are reordered by a new spiritual reality, a principle articulated in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ") and [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **partner (Greek, _koinōnós'_):** From G2844, this term signifies one who is a "sharer" or "associate." It denotes a deep sense of commonality, participation, and fellowship. In this context, Paul is reminding Philemon of their shared spiritual bond and mutual participation in the Gospel. It's an appeal to their unity in Christ, implying that their joint commitment to the faith should extend to how they treat fellow believers, even those who have wronged them.
* **receive (Greek, _proslambánō'_):** From G4355, this verb means "to take to oneself," "to admit," or "to welcome." It carries the nuance of taking someone into one's company, friendship, or hospitality. Paul is not merely asking Philemon to accept Onesimus back as a slave, but to truly welcome him into the household and community as a valued individual, extending the same warmth and acceptance that Philemon would offer to Paul himself. This goes beyond obligation to an act of grace and love.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou count me therefore a partner,"**: This opening clause sets up a conditional premise, though it functions more as a rhetorical affirmation than a true doubt. Paul is appealing to Philemon's acknowledged relationship with him. The word "count" (G2192, *echō*) here means "to hold" or "to consider," implying a settled conviction or recognition. Paul is saying, "Since you indeed consider me a partner in the Gospel, a fellow laborer and brother..." The "therefore" (G3767, *oûn*) logically connects this premise to the ensuing request, grounding the plea in their shared spiritual identity and work. It's a gentle but firm reminder of their mutual commitment to Christ and His kingdom.
* **"receive him as myself."**: This is the profound and radical request. Paul asks Philemon to extend to Onesimus the same welcome, honor, and acceptance that Philemon would give to Paul, an esteemed apostle and spiritual father. "Receive" (G4355, *proslambánō*) implies a warm, personal welcome, not just a grudging acceptance. The phrase "as myself" (G5613, *hōs* G1691, *emé*) is a powerful expression of Paul's identification with Onesimus, effectively making Onesimus his surrogate. It elevates Onesimus's status far beyond that of a former runaway slave, demanding that Philemon see him through Paul's eyes – as a beloved brother in Christ, worthy of full restoration and dignity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is a **Conditional Clause** ("If thou count me therefore a partner"), which, as noted, functions more as a rhetorical affirmation than a true condition. It sets up a premise that Paul assumes Philemon will agree with, thereby making the ensuing request difficult to refuse without denying their established relationship. This leads into a powerful **Rhetorical Appeal**, where Paul does not issue a command but rather makes a heartfelt plea based on shared values and spiritual kinship. This persuasive technique respects Philemon's autonomy while guiding him towards a Christ-like response. The phrase "receive him as myself" is a striking example of **Identification** or **Empathy**, where Paul fully aligns himself with Onesimus, effectively transferring his own standing and honor to the former slave. This also functions as a form of **Substitution**, where Paul asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as if he were Paul himself, thereby elevating Onesimus's status and making the request deeply personal and weighty for Philemon. The entire verse is imbued with **Implication**, as Paul's request subtly yet profoundly challenges the prevailing social order and legal norms concerning slavery, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel to create a new community where status is determined by Christ, not by social standing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philemon 1:17 is a profound theological statement on the radical implications of the Gospel for human relationships. It teaches that Christian fellowship (koinonia) is not merely a superficial association but a deep spiritual bond that demands practical outworkings of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. When individuals are united in Christ, their former social distinctions, grievances, and statuses are superseded by a new identity as beloved brothers and sisters. Paul's appeal for Philemon to receive Onesimus "as myself" underscores the truth that in Christ, believers are so intimately connected that an offense against one is an offense against all, and conversely, acceptance of one is acceptance of all. This verse challenges believers to dismantle the barriers of prejudice, past hurts, and social hierarchies, embracing a community where grace reigns supreme and every member is valued and restored through the transformative power of God's love.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Distinction in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
* [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgive One Another"): "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These"): "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philemon 1:17 offers a timeless challenge for believers to live out the radical implications of the Gospel in their daily interactions. It calls us to embody the transformative power of Christ by extending grace and reconciliation, especially in relationships strained by past wrongs or social disparities. This verse compels us to look beyond superficial differences, societal labels, or personal grievances, and instead, to see every fellow believer through the lens of their identity in Christ. Just as Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul, we are called to welcome, affirm, and restore those who have been marginalized, misunderstood, or have caused us offense, recognizing their inherent dignity and new standing in the Lord. This requires a willingness to forgive deeply, to bridge divides, and to prioritize the unity of the body of Christ above personal comfort or societal expectations. It's a call to build communities where love triumphs over judgment, and where the transforming power of God's grace is visibly demonstrated in how we treat one another.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what relationships in my life am I being challenged to extend radical forgiveness and acceptance, similar to Paul's request to Philemon?**
* **How does my understanding of "partnership in the Gospel" influence how I view and interact with fellow believers, especially those from different backgrounds or with whom I might have disagreements?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "receive" someone who has wronged me, or someone society might marginalize, with the same honor and love I would show to Christ Himself?**

### FAQ
**What was the relationship between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus before this letter?**

Answer: Before this letter, Philemon was a wealthy Christian living in Colossae, likely a convert of Paul's ministry, and a leader in the church that met in his home. Paul was an apostle, currently imprisoned (likely in Rome or Ephesus). Onesimus was Philemon's slave who had run away, possibly having stolen from Philemon (Philemon 1:18). During his flight, Onesimus encountered Paul in prison and was converted to Christianity, becoming a "beloved brother" to Paul (Philemon 1:10). Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a runaway slave, but as a fellow believer.

**Why did Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon instead of keeping him?**

Answer: Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon primarily out of respect for Philemon's rights as the slave's owner and to allow Philemon to exercise his Christian love and forgiveness freely. Paul wanted Philemon's act of receiving Onesimus to be "not as it were of necessity, but willingly" (Philemon 1:14). While Paul found Onesimus incredibly useful in his ministry, he believed it was crucial for the relationship between Philemon and Onesimus to be reconciled and transformed by the Gospel. This act also demonstrated Paul's commitment to operating within existing societal structures while simultaneously subverting them through Christian ethics, rather than advocating for outright social revolution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philemon 1:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the radical acceptance and reconciliation Paul advocates. Just as Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus "as myself," so too does Christ identify with humanity, particularly the marginalized and the sinner, welcoming us into His fellowship. Our own reception into God's family is entirely due to Christ's willingness to take our place, bearing our sin and offering His righteousness. He became sin for us, "that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Christ is the ultimate reconciler, breaking down "the middle wall of partition" between God and humanity, and between divided peoples, making "both one" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He did not merely forgive us from a distance but "received us to the glory of God" ([Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Christ's Acceptance of Us")), welcoming us into His very presence. Thus, Philemon's act of receiving Onesimus as a brother mirrors Christ's own gracious reception of us, transforming enemies into friends, and outcasts into beloved children of God, all through His sacrificial love and the new creation He inaugurates ([Galatians 6:15](/galatians/6-15 "Galatians 6:15 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:23

Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Philemon 1:12

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.