The Book of
Philemon 1
25 verses≈ 3 min4 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Greetings from Paul and Timothy
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,
to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon 1:1–3
Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture
Stylised map · locations approximate
On the map
From Rome to Colossae
Paul writes as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus,” traditionally from Rome. This letter travels in the same bag as Colossians, carried by Tychicus, probably by sea to Ephesus and then inland up the valley road. Onesimus walks beside him, going home to Philemon’s house in Colossae.
Philemon’s Faith and Love
I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ. I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
0:13
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.
Philemon 1:6
you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints
Philemon 1:7
Pray
Refresh the saints
Philemon was known for one thing: “you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Ask God to make you that kind of person. Think of one tired believer you know, and pray for a way to bring them rest and encouragement this week.
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
Paul
So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper, I prefer to appeal on the basis of love.
Paul
For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.
I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.
Paul
Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
Paul
I am sending back to you him who is my very heart.
I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
Paul
But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.
I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.
For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother.
Philemon 1:15–16
He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.
Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Philemon 1:20–21
In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
From slave to brother
Whiteboard
Onesimus left Philemon’s house and found Christ through Paul in prison. Now Paul sends him home, stands between the two men, takes any debt on himself, and asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul: “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother.”
Question
Quick question
Paul makes a play on Onesimus’ name in verse 11.
What does the name Onesimus mean?
Additional Greetings
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
In this chapter
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Philemon 1:25
Reflect
Who needs a welcome?
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus “as you would receive me,” and he offers to carry the cost himself: “charge it to my account.” Is there someone you find hard to welcome, or someone who has wronged you? What would it look like to receive them as a brother or sister in Christ? And is there someone you could stand beside, as Paul stood beside Onesimus?
You’ve experienced
Philemon 1
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A verse to carry with you
I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.
Philemon 1:6
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