Philemon 1:17

17 If therefore you regard me as a comrade, receive him as if he were I myself.

Philemon 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.

Philemon 1:17 In-Context

15 For perhaps it was for this reason he was parted from you for a time, that you might receive him back wholly and for ever yours;

16 no longer as a slave, but as something better than a slave--a brother peculiarly dear to me, and even dearer to you, both as a servant and as a fellow Christian.

17 If therefore you regard me as a comrade, receive him as if he were I myself.

18 And if he was ever dishonest or is in your debt, debit me with the amount.

19 I Paul write this with my own hand--I will pay you in full. (I say nothing of the fact that you owe me even your own self.)