Filemón 1:17

17 De modo que, si me tienes por compañero, recíbelo como a mí mismo.

Filemón 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

Philemon 1:17

If thou count me therefore a partner
A companion and friend, who reckon each other's affairs and interest their own: the word answers to (rbx) , a word often used in Talmudic writings, for an associate of the doctors or wise men: here it may mean also a partner both in grace, and in the ministry; one that shared in the same gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, and one that was to be a partaker of the inheritance with the saints in light: now if Philemon reckoned the apostle such an one, as he doubtless did, as being engaged in the same common cause, and a partaker of the same common faith, and interested in the same common salvation; then he entreats him on account of Onesimus, in the following manner,

receive him as myself;
intimating, that he was as dear to him as himself; that he loved him as his own soul; and that he should take whatever respect and affection were shown to him as done to himself; and that he would have him receive him into his house, his heart and affections, as he would receive him the apostle himself, should he come to him.

Filemón 1:17 In-Context

15 Tal vez por eso Onésimo se alejó de ti por algún tiempo, para que ahora lo recibas para siempre,

16 ya no como a esclavo, sino como algo mejor: como a un hermano querido, muy especial para mí, pero mucho más para ti, como persona y como hermano en el Señor.

17 De modo que, si me tienes por compañero, recíbelo como a mí mismo.

18 Si te ha perjudicado o te debe algo, cárgalo a mi cuenta.

19 Yo, Pablo, lo escribo de mi puño y letra: te lo pagaré; por no decirte que tú mismo me debes lo que eres.