Philemon

Part One: Introduction to Philemon

The Book

Philemon is the shortest of Paul's letters, just twenty-five verses, and the most personal. It is a private letter about a private matter: a runaway slave who had become a Christian and was now returning to his master. Yet it has been preserved as Scripture because it shows the gospel at work in real relationships, and because it gives one of the most beautiful pictures in the Bible of what Christ has done for sinners.

The Author and Date

"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother" (v1). Paul wrote from prison, almost certainly during his first Roman imprisonment, around AD 60-62, at the same time as Colossians and Ephesians. The same people are named in Colossians and Philemon: Timothy, Onesimus, Archippus, Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke (Colossians 1:1; 4:7-17; Philemon 1-2, 10, 23-24). Onesimus carried the letter home, travelling with Tychicus, who carried Colossians (Colossians 4:7-9).

The People

The Story Behind the Letter

Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon, a Christian at Colosse in Asia Minor. He ran away, apparently taking or owing something (v18), and made his way to Rome, the great city where a fugitive could disappear among a million people. There, in God's providence, he met Paul, whether in prison or by seeking him out, and was converted (v10). He became dear to Paul and useful to him (v11-13). But Onesimus was still legally Philemon's slave, and he had wronged him. Paul sent him back to Colosse with this letter, asking Philemon to receive him not merely as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Under Roman law, runaway slaves could be severely punished: flogged, branded on the forehead with "F" (for fugitivus), or even executed, as a warning to others. Slaves may have made up a third of the population of the Roman world. Onesimus' return was a costly act of repentance, and Philemon's response would show whether the gospel truly transformed relationships.

Onesimus' Name

"Onesimus" means "profitable" or "useful," a common name for slaves. Paul makes a gentle play on it: "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me" (v11). Before his conversion, "Mr. Useful" had been useless; now, transformed by Christ, he lived up to his name.

Purpose and Theme

Paul wrote to persuade Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus as a brother, and perhaps to send him back to serve Paul (v13-14, 21). The theme is forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ, and the way the gospel transforms social relationships. It is also a picture of the gospel itself: as Paul interceded for Onesimus and offered to pay his debt, so Christ intercedes for sinners and has paid their debt.

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved

Philemon 16

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account

Philemon 18

Philemon and Slavery

Why did Paul not command Philemon to free Onesimus or condemn slavery outright? Paul worked within the social order of his day (1 Corinthians 7:20-24; Ephesians 6:5-9), knowing that a call to revolt would bring bloodshed and discredit the gospel. But he planted principles that undermine slavery from within:

• In Christ there is "neither bond nor free" (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).
• Masters and slaves have the same Master in heaven, who shows no partiality (Ephesians 6:9).
• Slaves should gain their freedom if they can (1 Corinthians 7:21).
• "Menstealers" (slave-traders) are condemned (1 Timothy 1:10).
• A slave is a "brother beloved" (Philemon 16), and a master must receive him as he would receive the apostle himself (v17).

Once a master sees his slave as a brother, the institution cannot survive. Christian abolitionists in later centuries, such as William Wilberforce, drew on these principles.

Outline of Philemon

Part Two: Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Section I: Greeting (Verses 1-3)

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1-3

Paul does not call himself "an apostle" here, as in most of his letters, but "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." He wants to appeal, not to command. He was a prisoner not of Rome, but of Christ, who had a purpose in his chains. Philemon was "dearly beloved" and a "fellowlabourer." The letter is also addressed to Apphia and Archippus, probably members of his household, and "the church in thy house." Early churches met in homes; the whole church would be watching how Philemon treated Onesimus.

Section II: Thanksgiving and Prayer for Philemon (Verses 4-7)

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Philemon 4-6

Philemon was known for his faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints. Paul prayed that "the communication of thy faith" (the fellowship or sharing that flows from his faith) would become effective as he recognised every good thing believers have in Christ. In other words, Paul prayed that Philemon's faith would work itself out in practical generosity, exactly what he was about to ask.

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Philemon 7

"Bowels" in the King James English means the inner being, the heart, the seat of affection. Philemon had refreshed the hearts of many believers. Paul would soon ask him to refresh Paul's heart too (v20), by receiving Onesimus. Paul's tact is striking: he begins by sincerely praising Philemon's character before making his request.

Section III: The Appeal for Onesimus (Verses 8-21)

Verses 8-11 — An Appeal of Love

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Philemon 8-9

As an apostle, Paul could have commanded Philemon to do what was right. Instead, he appealed on the basis of love, as an old man and a prisoner for Christ. Love persuades rather than compels.

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me

Philemon 10-11

Paul delays naming the slave until he has called him "my son... whom I have begotten in my bonds": Paul had led him to Christ while in prison. Then the play on his name: once unprofitable, now truly "Onesimus," profitable. Conversion had made the useless useful, both to his master and to Paul. Christ makes new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Verses 12-14 — Paul's Sacrifice

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

Philemon 12-14

Sending Onesimus back was like tearing out Paul's own heart. Paul would have liked to keep him as a helper, serving Paul on Philemon's behalf. But he would not do so without Philemon's consent, so that any kindness would be voluntary, not forced. True Christian generosity is willing (2 Corinthians 9:7). Onesimus' return also shows that repentance includes making things right with those we have wronged (Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 19:8).

Verses 15-16 — God's Providence

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Philemon 15-16

Paul gently suggests God's hand in what had happened. Onesimus "departed" (Paul does not say "ran away"), perhaps so that Philemon might have him back forever, as an eternal brother. Like Joseph's brothers, Onesimus meant his flight for his own ends, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Now Onesimus was more than a slave: "a brother beloved," both "in the flesh" (as a person and member of the household) and "in the Lord" (as a fellow believer). The gospel had transformed the relationship.

Verses 17-19 — "Put That on Mine Account"

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Philemon 17-19

Here is the heart of the letter. Paul identifies himself completely with Onesimus: "receive him as myself." Whatever welcome Philemon would give to Paul, he should give to Onesimus. And whatever Onesimus owed, Paul would pay: "put that on mine account." Taking up the pen himself, Paul wrote a binding promissory note: "I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it." Then, with a touch of humour, he reminded Philemon that he owed Paul his very self, his spiritual life, since he had been converted through Paul.

This is a vivid picture of the gospel. The sinner owes a debt to God he can never pay. Christ, our Advocate, says to the Father, "Put that on mine account," and pays it with His own blood (Isaiah 53:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 2:14). And He says, "Receive him as myself": God accepts believers "in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6), as He accepts His own Son. Martin Luther wrote that "we are all His Onesimi." This is the doctrine of imputation pictured in a personal letter: our debt charged to Christ, and Christ's standing credited to us.

Verses 20-21 — Paul's Confidence

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Philemon 20-21

Philemon had refreshed others' hearts (v7); now Paul asked him to refresh Paul's. There is another wordplay here: "let me have joy [profit] of thee" uses a word related to Onesimus' name. Paul was confident that Philemon would obey, and would "do more than I say," perhaps a gentle hint that Philemon should free Onesimus or send him back to serve Paul.

Section IV: Final Requests and Greetings (Verses 22-25)

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

Philemon 22

Paul expected to be released through their prayers and planned to visit. (This was evidently fulfilled after his first imprisonment; see the Pastoral Epistles.) His coming visit would also be a gentle encouragement for Philemon to act well.

Paul sent greetings from "Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers" (v23-24). Mark, once a deserter, was now restored and useful; Demas would later forsake Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Philemon 25

Part Three: Christ in Philemon

A Picture of Redemption

Philemon contains no direct doctrinal statement about Christ's work, yet it is one of the clearest illustrations of it in Scripture:

Christ Named in Philemon

Paul calls himself "a prisoner of Jesus Christ" (v1, 9) and his fellow prisoner Epaphras a prisoner "in Christ Jesus" (v23). Grace and peace come from God our Father "and the Lord Jesus Christ" (v3). Philemon's faith is "toward the Lord Jesus" (v5). Every good thing is ours "in Christ Jesus" (v6). Onesimus is a brother "in the Lord" (v16). The letter ends, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit" (v25). The whole letter is lived out "in Christ."

Part Four: Prophecies and Promises Fulfilled

Early Christian tradition is intriguing: around AD 110, Ignatius wrote to the church at Ephesus and mentioned its bishop, named Onesimus. Some have suggested this may have been the same man, though this cannot be proven.

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

Philemon 4-7 — A Refreshing Believer

Philemon's faith in Christ and love for all the saints refreshed the hearts of others. Genuine faith shows itself in practical love and generosity.

Philemon 8-10 — Appealing Through Love

Paul had authority to command, but chose to appeal through love. Christian leaders should persuade with love wherever possible.

Philemon 11 — From Unprofitable to Profitable

Christ transforms useless lives into useful ones. No one is beyond His power to change.

Philemon 15-16 — Providence and Brotherhood

God can use even sinful choices to bring about His good purposes. In Christ, social distinctions are transcended: a slave becomes a beloved brother.

Philemon 17-19 — "Put That on Mine Account"

Paul's offer to pay Onesimus' debt and his plea, "receive him as myself," picture Christ's substitution and our acceptance with God through Him.

Philemon 21 — Doing More Than Asked

Love does not do the minimum; it goes beyond what is required.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of Philemon

1. The Power of the Gospel to Transform

A runaway slave became a profitable brother (v10-11).

2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Christians must forgive and receive those who have wronged them, especially fellow believers (v15-17; Colossians 3:13).

3. Restitution

Repentance includes returning to make things right (v12, 18-19).

4. Substitution and Imputation

The debt of one is charged to another, and the welcome due to one is given to another (v17-18).

5. Christian Brotherhood

In Christ, master and slave are brothers (v16).

6. The Providence of God

God works through human actions, even wrong ones, for good (v15).

7. Love Rather Than Command

Love persuades and gives willingly (v8-9, 14).

8. The Church in the Home

Early churches met in homes, where family and fellowship overlapped (v2).

9. Christian Partnership

Believers are partners in the gospel and in the fellowship of faith (v6, 17).

Part Seven: Connections — How Philemon Links to the Rest of the Bible

Philemon and the Old Testament

Philemon and the New Testament

Themes That Run from Philemon Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Refresh the hearts of other believers (7).
• Let your faith work out in practical generosity (6).
• Appeal with love rather than command (8-9).
• Pray for and lead others to Christ, wherever you are (10).
• Believe that Christ can make the unprofitable profitable (11).
• Make restitution where you have wronged others (12, 18).
• Do good willingly, not under pressure (14).
• Look for God's hand in difficult events (15).
• Treat fellow believers as brothers, whatever their social status (16).
• Receive repentant believers as you would receive Christ's own (17).
• Be willing to bear another's cost for the sake of reconciliation (18-19).
• Forgive, remembering how much you owe (19).
• Do more than what is asked (21).
• Rejoice that Christ has put your debt on His account (18).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

Philemon is a small letter with a large heart. Paul, an aged prisoner, wrote to a wealthy friend whose slave, Onesimus, had run away, perhaps with stolen money, and had found his way to Rome, where he met Paul and was born again. Now "Mr. Useful," once useless, was truly profitable, and Paul sent him home. Rather than commanding, Paul appealed for love's sake. He suggested that God had allowed the separation so that Philemon might receive Onesimus back for ever, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother. He identified himself with the runaway: "receive him as myself." And he offered to pay everything: "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account... I will repay it." In these few lines the gospel is pictured. Every sinner is a runaway who owes a debt to God he cannot pay. Christ has found us, interceded for us, taken our debt on His account and paid it with His blood, and presented us to the Father to be received as He Himself is received. Those who have been received in this way must, in turn, receive and forgive one another as brothers.

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it

Philemon 18-19