A foundation of love
Philemon 1:1–7FocusThanksgiving for Philemon
Connection to the wholeThe opening thanks Philemon for refreshing the saints, establishing the relational ground on which Paul makes his request.
interpretation Philemon 1:16
KJVNot 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?
Read it in context
The appeal for Onesimus
Start reading at Philemon 1:1 (Philemon 1:1 to Philemon 1:16).
Read from verse 1; the appeal rests on the relationship established in the opening.
Paul appeals rather than commands, asking Philemon to receive the runaway Onesimus back as a brother.
- 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
- 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
- 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
- 1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
- 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
- 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
- 1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
- 1:9 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.
- 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
- 1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
- 1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
- 1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
- 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
- 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
- 1:16 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?
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul wrote the appeal concerning Onesimus; Timothy is included in the greeting, and Paul personally signs the undertaking. Biblical references: Philemon 1:1; Philemon 1:19. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philemon 1:1–1:25): Paul appeals chiefly to Philemon about Onesimus, whom he calls his son begotten in his bonds. Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house are also named in the greeting. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church meeting in Philemon's house. Much of the personal appeal is directed to Philemon himself. Biblical references: Philemon 1:1; Philemon 1:2; Philemon 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Receive Onesimus. Read Philemon 1:8 through Philemon 1:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul appeals for Onesimus to be received as a beloved brother, offers to account for any debt, and expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes as a prisoner concerning Onesimus and asks Philemon to prepare lodging. The letter does not state a calendar date or explicitly name the prison city. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The letter addresses Philemon and others, including the church in his house. It does not directly name that house's city. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The appeal for Onesimus (Philemon 1:8 to Philemon 1:16). Start reading at Philemon 1:1. Read from verse 1; the appeal rests on the relationship established in the opening.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul's appeal asks that Onesimus be received as a beloved brother and received as Paul himself. The appeal illustrates fellowship and reconciliation in Christ without making every legal circumstance identical to a modern one. See Philemon 1:16, Philemon 1:17, Philemon 1:18. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Use influence to pursue reconciliation and acknowledge responsibility for harms and debts. Do not turn the account into an endorsement of owning another person. interpretation
Cited: Philemon 1:8, Philemon 1:21, Philemon 1:16, Philemon 1:17, Philemon 1:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and writes with his own hand.
Philemon 1:1Philemon 1:19
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- a brother Matt 23:8 Acts 9:17 Gal 4:28-29 1 Tim 6:2 Heb 3:1 1 Pet 1:22-23 1 John 5:1
- both in Eph 6:5-7 Col 3:22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philemon 1
Paul writes as a prisoner to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house. His appeal concerns Onesimus and should be read as a personal request grounded in their shared relationship in the Lord.
Philemon 1:1 Philemon 1:2 Philemon 1:10
FocusA willing act of brotherly love
Connection to the wholePaul appeals for Onesimus to be received as a beloved brother, offers to account for any debt, and expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience.
interpretation A hoped-for visit
Philemon 1:22–25FocusPrayer and fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe request for lodging and final greetings keep the personal appeal within the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philemon
Paul writes as a prisoner to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house. His appeal concerns Onesimus and should be read as a personal request grounded in their shared relationship in the Lord.
Philemon 1:1 Philemon 1:2 Philemon 1:10
Greeting and thanksgiving
Philemon 1:1–7FocusLove that refreshes the saints
Connection to the wholePaul's gratitude for Philemon's faith and love prepares an appeal that asks him to extend that same character to Onesimus.
interpretation FocusReception as a beloved brother
Connection to the wholePaul asks for willing rather than compelled kindness, offers to bear what is owed, and frames the requested reception through their fellowship.
interpretation Further hopes and greetings
Philemon 1:22–25FocusContinuing fellowship
Connection to the wholePaul's hope of a visit and the greetings place the appeal within ongoing relationships and shared ministry.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.