Philemon

1–7 In the letter to Philemon, Paul writes to persuade Philemon to receive back his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ. Paul is writing to Philemon from prison, although the place and time of this imprisonment is not certain. The most likely options include Ephesus (ad 54–57), Caesarea (ad 58–60), and Rome (early 60s ad). Paul sent this letter along with two others—one to the Colossians, and another (now lost) to the church at Laodicea (Col 4:7–9, 16). After a typical Graeco-Roman greeting (Phlm 1–3), Paul expresses gratitude for Philemon’s faith and love (vv. 4–7). Overview of Philemon LRC:P

Introduction to Philemon

Paul’s Letters

How to Study the Bible

1 Paul See note on Rom 1:1.

Paul: A Life of Redemption and Transformation

prisoner Although Paul is imprisoned at this time, he does not regard himself as a prisoner of the state; rather, he is a prisoner of Christ, confined due to his efforts to spread the gospel. Yet even in prison Paul continues his mission (Phil 1:13; 4:22). Compare note on Eph 3:1.

Pauline Self-Designations Table

Timothy Paul names his associate Timothy as a cosender, although the personal nature of this letter suggests that its content comes primarily from Paul. See note on 2 Cor 1:1.

Philemon The owner of the slave Onesimus and host of the church at Colossae (Phlm 2). Philemon apparently became a believer through Paul’s ministry (v. 19). Although Paul refers to Philemon as a fellow worker, the nature of Philemon’s service is not clear; it does not seem that Paul visited Colossae (Col 2:1), so the two men must have met elsewhere (perhaps Ephesus).

fellow worker Paul uses this term to refer to people who served with him in his missionary work (Phlm 24).

2 Apphia our sister Some manuscripts describe Apphia as “our sister,” identifying her as a believer; other manuscripts read “the beloved.” She might be Philemon’s wife, in which case Paul is addressing her because wives often managed household slaves in Graeco-Roman society (compare note on v. 10). Paul is calling on her—as well as Philemon—to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

Archippus Probably another member of Philemon’s household—perhaps his son. Archippus seems to have held some kind of ministry role at Colossae (Col 4:17 and note).

church in your house Paul addresses the church because the reconciliation he seeks between Philemon and Onesimus will involve the entire community. The early church typically met in homes (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15).

The Church Devotional

Ekklēsia Word Study

3 Grace to you and peace This greeting summarizes Paul’s gospel message (see note on Rom 1:7). If the gospel can reconcile Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:14–16), it also can reconcile slave and master.

5 all the saints The Greek word used here, hagioi, refers to those who have been set apart as God’s people. Paul commended the churches in Ephesus and Colossae for their love for all the saints (Eph 1:15; Col 1:4). He also commends Philemon with the hope that he will extend this same love to his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become a saint through Paul’s ministry (Phlm 10).

8–21 The body of this short letter conveys Paul’s request for Philemon to welcome back Onesimus as a brother in Christ. Paul bases this appeal partly on his relationship with Onesimus (vv. 19–20), but the primary emphasis is on the bond that Philemon and Onesimus share as believers (vv. 15–16).

8 order As an apostle, Paul had the authority to command Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in the Lord, but he does not take this approach. Paul hopes that Philemon will be motivated by love, not duty (v. 9).

9 old man The Greek word here, presbytēs, is used for men between 50 and 56 years old. Paul’s age might explain why he relied on Onesimus’ help.

prisoner of Christ Jesus See note on v. 1.

10 my child Paul considers Onesimus’ to be his spiritual son, suggesting that Paul led him to faith in Christ. Paul also describes Timothy and Titus as his sons (1 Tim 1:2; 2 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4).

Onesimus Philemon’s runaway slave (see note on Philem 1:16). While he was on the run, Onesimus met Paul and became a believer (the details of their meeting are not mentioned).

Slavery in the First Century

11 he is useful In this verse, Paul makes a several wordplays suggesting that Onesimus—essentially useless without Christ—became truly useful to Paul and Philemon with Christ.

12 I have sent Paul takes a risk in sending Onesimus back to Philemon. According to Roman law, an owner could severely punish—even execute—a runaway slave (compare note on Phlm 10); anyone who harbored a runaway slave could face charges, as well. Even so, Paul sends Onesimus back to Colossae with Tychicus and this letter (compare Col 4:7–9).

13 on behalf of you Paul wants Philemon to know that Onesimus has helped him and his ministry. In the Greek text of Philemon, Paul’s remark here is worded as if Philemon had sent Onesimus to assist Paul.

14 apart from your consent Paul recognizes that Onesimus’ fate ultimately belongs in Philemon’s hands. For this reason, Paul refrains from keeping Onesimus with him.

not as according to necessity Again, Paul indicates that he wants Philemon’s decision regarding Onesimus to be made freely, not out of obligation (see Phlm 8–9; note on v. 8).

15 a time The time between Onesimus’ escape from Philemon and his return with Tychicus (Col 4:9).

16 more than a slave, a beloved brother This verse expresses the heart of Paul’s request, which is based on his conviction that the gospel of Christ transforms human relationships. Because Philemon and Onesimus have been united with Christ, they both belong to the one family of God; Onesimus the slave has become Philemon’s brother. By embracing Onesimus, Philemon can bear witness to the gospel’s power to transform and reconcile.

brother The Greek word used here, adelphos, often refers in the nt to those who have faith in Jesus Christ; it emphasizes unity and equality over division. In addition to using adelphos here to describe the transformation of Onesimus, Paul uses it twice in reference to Philemon (Phlm 7, 20), putting slave and master on equal terms in accord with the gospel.

17 partner The Greek word used here, koinōnos, indicates that Philemon shares in Paul’s ministry. This partnership is the basis for Paul’s reiteration of his request: Welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.

18 charge this to my account Acknowledging that Onesimus likely owes a debt to Philemon, Paul takes this obligation upon himself.

19 you owe me even your very self Paul has just volunteered to take over Onesimus’ debt to Philemon; now Paul reminds Philemon of his own indebtedness to Paul. This likely refers to Philemon coming to faith in Christ through Paul’s ministry. Even though Philemon cannot repay this debt, he can refresh Paul’s heart by forgiving Onesimus and, perhaps, sending him back to Paul (see v. 20 and note).

20 benefit The Greek word used here, oninēmi, sounds like “Onesimus.” Through this wordplay, Paul might be asking Philemon to send Onesimus back to him.

21 confident of your obedience Paul’s confidence probably comes from his knowledge of Philemon’s character and his commitment to the gospel (vv. 5–7).

22 prepare a guest room for me Although Paul is imprisoned, he aims to visit Philemon after his release.

23–25 Paul concludes the letter with customary greetings.

23 Epaphras See note on Col 1:7.

24 Mark, Aristarchus See note on Col 4:10.

Demas, and Luke See note on Col 4:14.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ Paul’s typical closing in his letters (e.g., Gal 6:18; 1 Thess 5:28).