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 Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee , being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
19I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it : albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.