Philemon 1

15-16 God is always able to overcome evil with good. Onesimus had run away. Philemon had suffered loss. But now Onesimus had received salvation, and Philemon had gained a new brother in the Lord.

17-18 Notice how strongly Paul pleads with Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf. See how much Paul loves this lowly runaway slave! Paul is even ready to personally pay back whatever loss Philemon has suffered on account of Onesimus’ bad behavior.

19 Let Philemon remember that he too owes his salvation to Paul’s witness, because he too, like Onesimus, had first heard the Gospel from Paul. Since Philemon has received such grace—such great mercy—from God, he must now show mercy to Onesimus (see Matthew 18:23-35).

20 What benefit does Paul seek from Philemon? The benefit Paul seeks is that Philemon might refresh [his] heart. How? By loving and forgiving Paul’s spiritual son Onesimus.

21 Paul is confident that Philemon will obey Christ in this matter. Having said that, Paul shows his confidence by adding that he knows Philemon will do even more than I ask. In saying this, Paul is really praising Philemon. In this, we can learn something from Paul. If we want to persuade someone to do something, the best way to get that person to do it is to praise him! But, of course, the praise must be true, and not just false flattery.

22-24 All the people mentioned in these verses are also mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:10,12,14).

25 See 1 Corinthians 16:23; Philippians 4:23 and comments.

¹ In the Greek language, the name Onesimus means useful.