Philemon 1

PHILEMON

Greetings and Prayer (1-7)

1-2 Paul calls himself a prisoner, because at the time of writing this letter to Philemon he was imprisoned in Rome. Timothy was with Paul as he wrote this letter (see Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1).

Some scholars think that Apphia was Philemon’s wife. Archippus was a leader in the Colossian church (Colossians 4:17).

A “house church” met in Philemon’s home. It is likely that this “church” was mainly made up of members of Philemon’s household; but it is possible that believers outside his household attended the church as well. In New Testament times, there were two kinds ofhouse churches: those consisting of one large household, and those made up of several households (see Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15). 3 See Romans 1:7; Ephesians 1:2 and comments.

4-5 See Romans 1:8; Ephesians 1:15-16; Colossians 1:3-4 and comments.

6-7 Paul has surely prayed for many things for Philemon in the past, but in verse 6, Paul only mentions one thing: namely, that Philemon may be active in sharing [his] faith—that is, that he may actively witness to others about Christ.

That we might be active in sharing [our] faith is a prayer for all of us. We who have received Christ are not meant to keep Him for ourselves; the good news of Jesus Christ is meant to be shared with others. And we must share our faith—share the Gospel—actively, effectively, and frequently. Let us ask ourselves: When was the last time we shared our faith with a non-believer? Do we hide our faith? Do we remain silent? The work of witnessing is not only for pastors and preachers; it is for every Christian!

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus (8-25)

8-9 Because Paul was an apostle, he had the authority to command Philemon to forgive Onesimus. However, in this letter Paul does not use his authority to force Philemon to do as he asks; rather, Paul tries to persuade Philemon by love. Love, to be effective, does not require force. There is nothing stronger than love (see Philemon: Introduction).

10-11 Onesimus became Paul’s son while [Paul] was in chains. That is, during Paul’s imprisonment Onesimus somehow met Paul and through his witness believed in Christ. Now, because he had become a Christian, Onesimus was useful¹ both to Paul and to Philemon. Because Onesimus had run away from Philemon, he had been for a time useless to Philemon; but now he had become useful again.

12-14 Paul personally wanted Onesimus to stay with him and be his helper. Paul was not simply in chains like other prisoners; he was in chains for the gospel (verse 13). He desired the fellowship and help of Onesimus, who being a slave, was also “in chains.” But Paul, forgetting his own desires and needs, is prepared to send One-simus back to Philemon. If Paul had kept Onesimus with him without Philemon’s consent, then any favor Philemon might have done (in allowing Onesimus to stay with Paul) would have been forced and not spontaneous (verse 14).

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.