Philemon Chapter 1 — Paul's Appeal for Onesimus
Paul writes to Philemon to request that he forgive and welcome back Onesimus, a former slave who became a Christian under Paul's ministry.
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ*“Christ” means “Anointed One”. Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
2to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
5hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
9yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have become the father of in my chains,†Onesimus means “useful”.
11who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
12I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
14But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
15For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,
16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18But if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account.
19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).
20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
21Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
22Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Philemon 1:16
“no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.”
This verse summarizes the central appeal of the letter, focusing on the new spiritual relationship between Philemon and Onesimus.
Philemon 1:18
“But if he has wronged you at all or owes you anything, put that to my account.”
Paul demonstrates his commitment to the reconciliation by offering to take on any financial responsibility for Onesimus.
Chapter Summary
Writing from prison, Paul addresses Philemon, a fellow worker and leader of a house church, expressing gratitude for Philemon's love and faith. The primary purpose of the letter is an appeal for Onesimus, a slave who had fled from Philemon and later met Paul. Paul describes Onesimus as his own 'child' in the faith and notes that he is now 'useful' to both of them. Rather than using his authority to command Philemon, Paul appeals to his love, asking him to receive Onesimus back not as a servant, but as a beloved brother. Paul offers to personally repay any debts Onesimus may owe and expresses confidence that Philemon will go beyond what is asked. The letter closes with greetings from Paul's companions and a hope for a future visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Onesimus was a slave belonging to Philemon who had left his master. He encountered the apostle Paul while Paul was in prison, converted to Christianity, and became a helpful companion to him.
Paul wrote to intercede on behalf of Onesimus. He wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother in Christ rather than punishing him for leaving.
The name Onesimus means 'useful.' Paul makes a wordplay on this in verse 11, noting that while Onesimus was once useless to Philemon, he has now become useful to both Philemon and Paul.
Study Note
The letter to Philemon is unique as Paul's most personal surviving letter, focusing on a specific social and legal issue within the early Christian community.
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