The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.
The grace {G5485} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} be with {G3326} your {G5216} spirit {G4151}. Amen {G281}. Written {G1125} from {G575} Rome {G4516} to {G4314} Philemon {G5371}, by {G1223} Onesimus {G3682} a servant {G3610}.
The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
-
2 Timothy 4:22
The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit. Grace [be] with you. Amen. -
Romans 16:23
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. -
Galatians 6:18
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen. -
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.
Philemon 1:25 serves as the concluding benediction of Paul's deeply personal letter to Philemon, offering a final, heartfelt prayer for divine favor upon the recipient and, by extension, the Christian community associated with him. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian life, emphasizing that all spiritual strength and peace flow from the unmerited favor of Jesus Christ.
Context
The letter to Philemon is a short, intimate appeal from the Apostle Paul, written while he was imprisoned, likely in Rome. The central theme revolves around Onesimus, a runaway slave who had fled from Philemon but later encountered Paul and became a Christian. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a mere servant, but as a "beloved brother" (Philemon 1:16). The entire epistle is a masterclass in Christian reconciliation, forgiveness, and the transformative power of the Gospel, which breaks down social barriers and fosters new relationships in Christ. This concluding benediction, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen," is a fitting capstone, reminding Philemon that the ability to extend such radical forgiveness and acceptance ultimately comes from God's grace.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
Philemon 1:25 reminds believers that reliance on God's grace is paramount for every aspect of life. It teaches us:
This final blessing is a powerful reminder that the Christian journey begins and ends with the abundant, transformative grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.