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 1:21
KJVHaving confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Read it in context
Paul's personal pledge
Start reading at Philemon 1:17 (Philemon 1:17 to Philemon 1:22).
Paul offers to repay anything owed, writing the promise in his own hand, and asks for lodging.
- 1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
- 1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
- 1:19 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.
- 1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
- 1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
- 1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
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 Paul's personal pledge (Philemon 1:17 to Philemon 1:22). Start reading at Philemon 1:17.
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
- Having confidence in thy obedience I wrot… 2 Cor 2:3 2 Cor 7:16 2 Cor 8:22 Gal 5:10 2 Thess 3:4
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.