Titus 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 servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s chosen ones and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
2versein hope of eternal life, which God, who can’t lie, promised before time began;
3versebut in his own time revealed his word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
4verseto Titus, my true child according to a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
5verseI left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you—
6verseif anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.
7verseFor the overseer must be blameless, as God’s steward, not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain;
8versebut given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled,
9verseholding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict him.
10verseFor there are also many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11versewhose mouths must be stopped: men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain’s sake.
12verseOne of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.”
13verseThis testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
14versenot paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
15verseTo the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
16verseThey profess that they know God, but by their deeds they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
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.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
