Philemon 1-16

1 | Five times in this letter, Paul mentions his imprisonment. His friendships were a particular encouragement to him while under house arrest. Especially beloved were fellow workers in the gospel like Philemon.

2 | Philemon was a wealthy landowner who lived in Colossae. He and his wife, Apphia, hosted a church in their home. Archippus was possibly their son. Some believe he eventually became the pastor of the church in Colossae (Col. 4:17).

4-6 | By commending Philemon’s love toward all the saints (Eph. 1:16; Col. 1:4; 2 Thess. 1:3) and his fellowship with believers who were serving God (sharing of your faith), Paul lays the groundwork for a specific expression of Christian love: forgiving his runaway slave, Onesimus, and accepting him as a brother in Christ.

7 | The hearts of the saints in Colossae were often refreshed by Philemon’s faithful service. In verse 20, Paul will appeal to Philemon to refresh him in the same way by receiving Onesimus.

8-9 | Paul could have used his authority as an apostle to coerce (command) Philemon’s response. Instead, the apostle wanted Philemon to choose the right course of action for the right reasons, allowing Onesimus to remain free (what is fitting) so that he could help Paul advance the gospel.

9 | Paul appeals to Philemon first for love’s sake – because of the relationship he and Philemon share as brothers in the faith – and then as an aged man whose words and wisdom should be heeded. Paul was probably around 60 years old at this time.

10-16 | In biblical times, slavery did not target a specific race; instead, people often became slaves for financial reasons. Most first-century slaves were employed as laborers, but some were educators, physicians, skilled artists, and administrators. Although first-century slaves were sometimes better off than freed men, they were still considered property and were required to do their master’s will.

10-11 | Perhaps Onesimus fled to Rome, hoping to get lost among its crowds, because he had stolen his master’s property. Somehow, Onesimus met Paul there and was converted. Thuse Onesimus was Paul’s son in the faith (1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:4).

11 | Onesimus means “useful or profitable.” After his conversion, Onesimus helped Paul, possibly as a personal attendant or scribe (Col. 4:9). Using a play on words, Paul asks Philemon to sacrifice Onesimus’ financial benefit as a slave for the sake of the gospel, saying in effect: He was once Onesimus in name only, but now he is Onesimus in nature. Now he is really Onesimus to both you and me in our partnership in the gospel.

12-13 | By referring to Onesimus as his own heart – literally translated “internal organs,” denoting strong feelings – Paul emphasizes his deep affection for Onesimus and the slave’s importance as a co-laborer in the gospel.

12 | The law permitted a master to execute a rebellious slave. When Onesimus was converted, he did not cease to be a slave (Col. 3:22-24); he was legally required to return to Philemon, even though awful consequences might await. Still, Onesimus could never be truly free until he was right with Philemon.

14 | Paul writes this letter to persuade Philemon to receive Onesimus with a willing and joyful heart. Paul wanted Philemon to make the right choice from a genuine desire to do good (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Pet. 5:2).

15-16 | Paul suggests a divine purpose behind Onesimus’ escape from Philemon: perhaps it was God’s will that the slave depart for a while so he could be converted and consequently be received forever as a brother in Christ by Philemon and Paul (Col. 4:9).

16 | The gospel changes how Christians view people: although Onesimus was legally Philemon’s property, he was to be received as a beloved brother. Participation in the faith creates a bond between Christians that can only be described in familial terms. This new relationship in Christ transcends and human one.