Philemon 1

King James Version

Full text for Philemon Chapter 1

1¶ Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

2And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8¶ Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16Not 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?

17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account;

19I 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.

20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Paul, a prisoner, writes to Philemon, commending his faith and love toward the Lord Jesus and all saints. He then appeals on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway servant whom Paul has converted during his imprisonment. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ, offering to repay any debt Onesimus might owe.

Medium Summary

The Epistle to Philemon opens with Paul, a prisoner, and Timothy greeting Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house, extending grace and peace. Paul expresses deep gratitude for Philemon's faith and love, which has refreshed the saints. He then makes a heartfelt appeal concerning Onesimus, a former servant of Philemon who had evidently run away and become "unprofitable." Paul reveals that he has encountered Onesimus in his imprisonment and led him to Christ, now considering him his "son." Though Paul desired to keep Onesimus to minister to him, he sends him back to Philemon, emphasizing that Onesimus should now be received not as a servant, but as a "brother beloved." Paul offers to personally repay any wrong or debt Onesimus may have incurred, subtly reminding Philemon of his own spiritual debt to Paul. He concludes by expressing confidence in Philemon's obedience and requesting lodging for an anticipated visit.

Long Summary

The Epistle to Philemon begins with a salutation from Paul, identifying himself as a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy, to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and the congregation meeting in Philemon's home, conveying a blessing of grace and peace. Paul immediately expresses profound thanksgiving to God for Philemon, consistently remembering him in his prayers. He acknowledges Philemon's commendable love and faith directed towards the Lord Jesus and all the saints, finding great joy and consolation in how Philemon's actions have refreshed the "bowels of the saints." Transitioning to his primary purpose, Paul explains that while he possesses the authority in Christ to command Philemon, he chooses instead to appeal for love's sake, presenting himself as an aged man and a prisoner. His earnest plea concerns Onesimus, whom Paul affectionately calls his "son," begotten spiritually during his imprisonment. Onesimus, previously "unprofitable" to Philemon, has now become "profitable" to both Philemon and Paul through his conversion. Paul sends Onesimus back, describing him as "mine own bowels," signifying a deep personal connection. He confesses his desire to have kept Onesimus to minister to him in Philemon's stead, particularly during his imprisonment for the gospel. However, Paul refrained from doing so without Philemon's consent, wishing for Philemon's act of kindness to be willing, not compelled. He suggests that Onesimus's temporary departure might have been providential, leading to his return to Philemon permanently, not merely as a servant, but as a "brother beloved" in both earthly and spiritual terms. Paul urges Philemon, if he considers Paul a partner, to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself. Furthermore, Paul boldly offers to personally assume and repay any financial wrong or debt Onesimus may have incurred, writing this promise with his own hand, while subtly reminding Philemon of his own spiritual indebtedness to Paul. He expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience, anticipating that Philemon will exceed his explicit request. The letter concludes with Paul requesting Philemon to prepare a lodging, as he hopes to be released and visit them through their prayers, followed by greetings from Epaphras, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas, and a final benediction of grace.

Core Concepts

  • Paul's Appeal for OnesimusPaul, as an aged prisoner, makes a personal and heartfelt appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway servant whom Paul has converted to Christianity while in bonds. He seeks Philemon's forgiveness and acceptance of Onesimus.
  • Transformation and ForgivenessOnesimus, once "unprofitable" as a servant, has been transformed through his conversion by Paul, becoming "profitable" in a spiritual sense. Paul urges Philemon to extend forgiveness and receive him back, reflecting Christian grace.
  • Brotherhood in ChristPaul emphasizes that Onesimus should no longer be received merely as a servant, but as a "brother beloved" in the Lord. This highlights the transformative power of faith in breaking down social barriers and establishing spiritual equality.
  • Intercession and PartnershipPaul acts as an intercessor for Onesimus, offering to personally take on any debt or wrong Onesimus committed against Philemon. He appeals to Philemon's partnership with him in the gospel, asking him to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul.
  • Willing ObediencePaul deliberately refrains from commanding Philemon, preferring that his act of receiving Onesimus be a willing expression of love and faith, rather than a compelled necessity. He expresses confidence that Philemon will do "more than I say."
  • Christian Love and RefreshmentPaul frequently praises Philemon's love and faith, noting how he has "refreshed the bowels of the saints." This concept underscores the practical expression of Christian love in caring for and encouraging fellow believers.
  • Paul's Imprisonment and MinistryThe letter is written by Paul while he is a "prisoner of Jesus Christ," yet he continues his ministry by leading Onesimus to faith and interceding for him, demonstrating that his bonds do not hinder the spread of the gospel.