Philemon 1

The book of Philemon is a personal letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon, a leader in the early Christian community. The letter is primarily about Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon but later became a Christian under Paul's ministry. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. This letter highlights themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transforming power of the gospel.

Philemon 1:1 (NKJV)
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,

Paul opens the letter by identifying himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus," underscoring his imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. This introduction immediately sets the tone for a personal and heartfelt appeal. Paul also includes Timothy, who is likely known to Philemon, as part of this message. Philemon is addressed warmly as a “beloved friend” and “fellow laborer,” emphasizing their close relationship and partnership in ministry.

Philemon 1:2 (NKJV)
to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

Paul extends his greeting to Apphia, possibly Philemon’s wife, and Archippus, who is called a “fellow soldier,” likely indicating his role in the ministry. The reference to the “church in your house” highlights the early Christian practice of meeting in homes, indicating that Philemon’s household played a key role in the local Christian community. By addressing the entire household, Paul underscores that his message is meant to be heard and embraced by all those close to Philemon.

Philemon 1:3 (NKJV)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul offers a standard but meaningful greeting of grace and peace, which carries profound theological weight. "Grace" reminds the readers of the unmerited favor of God, while "peace" refers to the reconciliation believers have with God through Christ. These words also serve as a blessing, setting the spiritual tone for the message that follows. Paul’s emphasis on both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ shows their unity in granting these blessings.

Philemon 1:4-5 (NKJV)
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

Paul expresses his gratitude to God for Philemon, noting that he consistently prays for him. He commends Philemon for his love and faith, which are directed both toward Jesus and the believers. This acknowledgment sets the stage for Paul's appeal, as it shows that Philemon is someone who values both his relationship with Christ and his care for fellow Christians. Paul is gently reminding Philemon of his reputation for kindness and generosity within the Christian community.

Philemon 1:6 (NKJV)
that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Here, Paul prays that Philemon’s faith would be active and productive, particularly as it relates to the “sharing” or fellowship of his faith. The phrase “by the acknowledgment of every good thing” suggests that Paul wants Philemon to recognize how Christ has transformed him, which should inspire him to act in ways that reflect Christ’s character. This is a subtle lead into Paul’s forthcoming request, as it prepares Philemon to act in line with the gospel.

Philemon 1:7 (NKJV)
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Paul continues his commendation of Philemon’s love and hospitality, emphasizing how the believers have been refreshed by his actions. This commendation reinforces Philemon’s positive influence on the Christian community and prepares him for the request Paul is about to make. By affirming Philemon’s generosity and care, Paul is encouraging him to continue acting in a way that brings refreshment and joy to others, particularly in the case of Onesimus.

Philemon 1:8-9 (NKJV)
Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,
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—

Paul acknowledges that he has the authority, as an apostle, to command Philemon to do what is right, but instead, he chooses to appeal to him out of love. This approach reveals Paul’s deep humility and respect for Philemon’s free will. By referring to himself as "the aged" and a "prisoner of Jesus Christ," Paul is drawing on the personal bond he shares with Philemon, making his appeal even more touching and difficult to refuse.

Philemon 1:10-11 (NKJV)
I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

Paul now reveals the heart of his letter—his appeal on behalf of Onesimus, whom he refers to as his “son,” indicating the spiritual relationship they now share. Onesimus, formerly a slave and a runaway, had become a Christian through Paul's ministry. Paul acknowledges Onesimus’ past failings but emphasizes the transformation that has taken place. The play on words between “unprofitable” and “profitable” suggests that Onesimus, once seen as a burden, now has real value to both Paul and Philemon because of his new faith in Christ.

Philemon 1:12-13 (NKJV)
I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.

Paul informs Philemon that he is sending Onesimus back, and in doing so, he expresses deep affection for Onesimus, describing him as “my own heart.” This phrase highlights Paul’s emotional connection to Onesimus and subtly urges Philemon to receive him with the same love. Paul even admits that he wanted to keep Onesimus with him to help with his ministry during imprisonment, suggesting that Onesimus had become a trusted and valuable companion in the work of the gospel.

Philemon 1:14 (NKJV)
But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.

Although Paul desired to keep Onesimus, he refrained from doing so without Philemon's consent. Paul respected Philemon’s rights and emphasized the importance of voluntary goodwill rather than forced obedience. By seeking Philemon’s consent, Paul ensured that any act of kindness from Philemon would be a genuine expression of love and Christian brotherhood, not an obligation. This shows Paul's sensitivity to the relational dynamics and his desire for Philemon to act out of free will.

Philemon 1:15-16 (NKJV)
For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,
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 suggests that Onesimus’ departure may have been part of God’s greater plan, allowing Philemon to receive him back, not just as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. This shift in relationship—from master and slave to brothers in the Lord—is revolutionary, breaking the societal norms of their time. Paul is urging Philemon to embrace Onesimus with a new identity, both in the physical sense (as someone still under his authority) and in the spiritual sense (as an equal and beloved brother in the Lord).

Philemon 1:17 (NKJV)
If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

Paul appeals to his personal relationship with Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus as if he were receiving Paul himself. This request elevates Onesimus' status and places him on equal footing with Paul, a respected apostle. Paul is essentially asking Philemon to show the same respect, love, and hospitality to Onesimus as he would to Paul, which reflects the unity and equality that the gospel brings to all believers, regardless of social status.

Philemon 1:18-19 (NKJV)
But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.
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.

Paul offers to take on any debt that Onesimus might owe to Philemon, demonstrating his willingness to personally bear the cost of reconciliation. This is a powerful example of sacrificial love, as Paul is not only asking for forgiveness but also offering to cover any loss incurred. In reminding Philemon of the spiritual debt he owes Paul, likely referring to his own conversion, Paul gently underscores that Philemon has already received far greater from him than he is being asked to give.

Philemon 1:20 (NKJV)
Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

Paul now calls Philemon “brother,” signaling their deep spiritual bond and reinforcing his appeal with affection. Paul expresses his desire to be encouraged and refreshed by Philemon’s actions, much like Philemon had refreshed the hearts of other believers. This request is framed as a way for Philemon to bring joy to Paul in the Lord, further highlighting the spiritual significance of the matter at hand.

Philemon 1:21 (NKJV)
Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Paul closes his appeal with a note of confidence in Philemon’s character, expressing trust that Philemon will not only comply with his request but will go beyond what Paul has asked. This confidence serves as both encouragement and a subtle challenge, showing that Paul expects Philemon to exceed the expectations of basic duty by acting in love and grace toward Onesimus.

Philemon 1:22 (NKJV)
But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room for him, expressing his hope that he will be released from prison and able to visit. This personal request further strengthens the bond between them and reflects Paul's faith in God’s provision and in the power of the prayers of his fellow believers. It also adds a personal touch, reminding Philemon that Paul expects to see him face to face, which may encourage Philemon to act generously toward Onesimus in anticipation of Paul's visit.

Philemon 1:23-24 (NKJV)
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.

Paul includes greetings from Epaphras, who is also imprisoned for the gospel, as well as from Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. These fellow workers are mentioned to remind Philemon of the broader Christian community that he is part of, reinforcing the idea that the decision he makes will resonate beyond his personal life. These names also reflect the strong network of believers that supported Paul and the spread of the gospel.

Philemon 1:25 (NKJV)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Paul closes the letter with a blessing, asking for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with Philemon's spirit. This final blessing encapsulates the entire letter’s message of grace and love, pointing back to the central theme of Christ’s grace being the foundation for all Christian relationships and actions. By invoking Christ’s grace, Paul prays for Philemon to have the spiritual strength and kindness needed to carry out his request in the spirit of love and forgiveness.