New Testament
Philemon 1
Overview
Paul, writing as "a prisoner of Christ Jesus" rather than pulling rank as an apostle, addresses Philemon, his beloved fellow worker, along with Apphia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon's house. He opens with warm thanksgiving, praising Philemon's love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and prays that the sharing of his faith would become effective in the knowledge of every good thing (Philemon 1:4-7). Then comes the heart of the letter: Paul appeals on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave whom Paul has led to Christ during his imprisonment, calling him "my child... whose father I became in my chains" (Philemon 1:10). Though he could command, Paul chooses instead to appeal for love's sake, asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back "no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother" (Philemon 1:16). Paul offers to repay whatever Onesimus owes, signing the pledge in his own hand, while gently reminding Philemon that he owes Paul his very self (Philemon 1:18-19). He expresses confidence that Philemon will do even more than asked, requests a guest room in hope of release, sends greetings from his companions, and closes with grace.
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
2to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
5hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
9yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have become the father of in my chains,
11who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
12I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
14But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
15For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,
16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18But if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account.
19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).
20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
21Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
22Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.