Philemon 1
Philemon chapter 1 is a brief letter from Paul, composed entirely as a single chapter. In the opening section (verses 1–3), Paul sends greetings to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in their home. He then praises Philemon’s love and faith and expresses his gratitude for the love he has shown to the saints (verses 4–7).
1versePaul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
2verseto the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
3verseGrace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4verseI thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
5versehearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6versethat the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
7verseFor we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8verseTherefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
9verseyet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10verseI appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have become the father of in my chains,
11versewho once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
12verseI am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
13versewhom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
14verseBut I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
15verseFor perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,
16verseno 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.
17verseIf then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18verseBut if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account.
19verseI, 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).
20verseYes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
21verseHaving confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
22verseAlso, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
23verseEpaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24verseas do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25verseThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Paul’s Request: Intercession for Onesimus
In the following passage (verses 8–16), Paul moves into the main point and makes a request on behalf of Onesimus, who had been Philemon’s slave. Onesimus left Philemon and came to Paul, and during the time he is with Paul, he comes to welcome Christ. Paul regards Onesimus as his own child and asks Philemon to receive him—not as a slave, but as a beloved brother.
Paul’s Attitude Left to Free Will
As an authority, Paul does not command (verses 8–9); instead, he emphasizes that he is pleading with love. He wants the good to be done not out of compulsion but with genuine sincerity, and he suggests that Onesimus’s return is not simply the restoration of the master-slave relationship, but the beginning of a brotherly relationship within faith. Paul’s way of interceding includes warm concern and respect that attempt change even within the social order of the time.
Closing and Request
In the final section (verses 17–25), Paul asks that if Philemon considers him a fellow worker, he should receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself (verse 17). Paul also says he will take responsibility for Onesimus’s past wrongs on his behalf, and ultimately he envisions a community in which the three people are newly connected through the gospel. Paul expresses his hope that he will be able to visit soon and blesses one another.
Meditation Points
- This chapter shows how the gospel becomes a seed of reconciliation and transformation within both individuals and communities.
- It offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of genuine forgiveness and reconciliation, the practice of love that relinquishes power, and sincere intercession.
- Within the community of faith, it gives a chance to think about what kind of gospel-centered approach should be taken when dealing with wounds and conflicts.
Apply It to Yourself
- Consider whether there is anyone to whom you need to sincerely ask for forgiveness, or someone from whom you need to offer forgiveness.
- You can also reflect on whether you are building relationships with others with an attitude of free will, love, and respect.
- Look at the conflicts around you through the lens of the gospel, and think about what you can put into practice to be used as an instrument of reconciliation and love that God desires.
This is the last chapter of Philemon.