
Philemon 1
Philemon is a unique book in the New Testament, consisting of a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian and church leader in Colossae. This brief epistle focuses on the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the Christian ethic of treating all believers as equals, irrespective of their social status. Paul writes this letter to intercede on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian and whom Paul is sending back to Philemon. The letter appeals to Philemon not just to forgive Onesimus but to welcome him as a brother in Christ.
Philemon 1:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,
2 to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
5 hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,
9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—
10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
Paul starts the letter by addressing Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon’s house, highlighting their Christian love and faith. He expresses gratitude for Philemon’s kindness and influence among the believers, acknowledging that Philemon’s actions have brought joy and comfort to other Christians. Paul then moves to the heart of his letter: an appeal for Onesimus, who he has led to Christ while imprisoned. Instead of commanding Philemon as an apostle, Paul chooses to appeal to him out of love, highlighting the personal and relational approach Paul is taking in dealing with the issue.
Philemon 1:11-16 (NKJV)
11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.
12 I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.
15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Paul discusses Onesimus’s transformation from being "unprofitable" to "profitable," a play on Onesimus’s name which means "useful." Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not just as a slave but as a fellow believer. He subtly suggests that Onesimus’s departure was perhaps part of God’s plan to transform him into a brother in Christ, elevating his status from slave to beloved brother. This transformation reflects a profound theological and social shift, emphasizing the equality of all believers in Christ.
Philemon 1:17-25 (NKJV)
17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18 If he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.
19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.
20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22 But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be granted to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
The final section concludes Paul’s heartfelt appeal to Philemon, urging him to receive Onesimus, his runaway slave, as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would Paul himself, even offering to repay any debt Onesimus might owe, though he subtly reminds Philemon of his own spiritual indebtedness to Paul. Paul expresses confidence that Philemon will go beyond what is asked, demonstrating true Christian love and forgiveness. The letter closes with greetings from Paul’s fellow workers and a final blessing of grace, emphasizing the unity and partnership within the body of Christ. This passage highlights the transformative power of the gospel to break social barriers, turning master and slave into equals in Christ. Paul's example encourages believers to reflect Christ’s love by forgiving and embracing one another as family in the faith, living out the principles of the gospel in personal relationships.