Philemon 1:22

Philemon 1:22 is a personal postscript in Paul's brief, yet profound, letter to Philemon. After making a powerful appeal concerning Onesimus, a runaway slave whom Paul is sending back, the apostle concludes with an expression of hope for his own release and a request for hospitality.

Context

The Epistle to Philemon is a deeply personal letter from the Apostle Paul, written during his imprisonment (likely in Rome), to Philemon, a wealthy Christian leader in Colossae. The central theme is Paul's plea for Philemon to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not merely as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ (see Philemon 1:16). This verse, coming towards the close of the letter, serves multiple purposes: it underscores Paul's genuine desire for reunion, subtly adds weight to his request by indicating an impending personal visit, and highlights his unwavering faith in the power of prayer for his release from captivity.

Key Themes

1. The Power of Intercessory Prayer

Paul's confidence in his release and subsequent visit to Philemon is explicitly attributed to the prayers of believers. This highlights a fundamental aspect of Christian faith: the efficacy of intercessory prayer. Paul consistently sought the prayers of others for his ministry and freedom, demonstrating a deep reliance on God's intervention through the supplications of His people. This theme resonates throughout his epistles, as seen in his requests for prayer in passages like Ephesians 6:19-20 and Colossians 4:3.

2. Personal Connection and Anticipation of Reunion

The request for a "lodging" reveals Paul's deep personal affection and pastoral care for Philemon and the church in his household. It's not just a logistical detail; it's an expression of hope for continued fellowship and ministry. This anticipation of a physical reunion also serves as a subtle, yet powerful, encouragement for Philemon to respond positively to Paul's appeal regarding Onesimus, knowing that Paul himself would soon be present to witness the outcome.

3. Christian Hospitality

The instruction to "prepare me also a lodging" underscores the biblical principle of hospitality, a virtue highly valued in the early Christian community. Providing lodging for traveling apostles and ministers was a common and important act of service, reflecting love for God and fellow believers. This practice is encouraged elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Romans 12:13.

Linguistic Insight

The word translated "trust" in the KJV is from the Greek verb elpidzō (ἐλπίζω), which conveys a confident expectation or hope, not merely a wish. It implies a firm belief in the probability of something happening. The phrase "I shall be given unto you" uses the Greek verb charizomai (χαρίζομαι), which means "to grant as a favor" or "to graciously bestow." This suggests that Paul's release would be a gracious gift from God, granted in response to the prayers of Philemon and others, rather than a natural or expected outcome.

Practical Application

Philemon 1:22 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• The Power of Prayer: This verse is a powerful reminder that God hears and answers the prayers of His people. We should be diligent in praying for our spiritual leaders, for those in difficult circumstances, and for God's will to be done in all situations. Our prayers can genuinely impact lives and circumstances.
• Embrace Hospitality: The call to prepare a lodging encourages us to practice Christian hospitality, opening our homes and hearts to fellow believers, especially those who serve the Lord. It fosters community and provides practical support.
• Faithful Expectation: Paul's confident expectation in being released through prayer inspires us to pray with faith, believing that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).