Philemon 1 explained: A Plea for an Enslaved Brother

Greeting to a house church (vv. 1-3)

Paul writes from prison, together with Timothy, to Philemon, whose home was the meeting place for a local church, probably in the town of Colossae. Apphia and Archippus were likely family or close coworkers, so they too have a stake in what follows.

Thanks for Philemon's love (vv. 4-7)

Paul thanks God for Philemon's faith and for the love he has shown other believers, probably by opening his home and sharing what he had. Verse 6 is hard to translate and versions differ on its exact sense, but this warm praise sets up the request to come.

An appeal for Onesimus (vv. 8-14)

Paul says he could give an order but chooses to ask, as an old man in prison, on behalf of Onesimus, who became a believer through him while he was in chains. The name Onesimus means 'useful', so Paul plays on it, and he sends him back rather than keep him without Philemon's consent.

No longer only a slave (vv. 15-16)

Onesimus was enslaved to Philemon (older translations say 'servant'), and the letter says only that he was away for a while, which most read as running away, though some scholars think he sought Paul's help in a dispute. Paul now hopes Philemon will have him back as a dear brother, not merely a slave.

Paul offers to cover the debt (vv. 17-20)

Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would Paul, and to put any loss or debt on Paul's account, promised in Paul's own handwriting like an IOU. He adds that Philemon owes him his very self, probably because Philemon came to faith through Paul, and Christians have often read the offer as a picture of Jesus taking on others' debts.

A guest room and greetings (vv. 21-25)

Paul is sure Philemon will do even more than he asks, which some read as a hint to free Onesimus and others as a hint to send him back to help Paul. He asks for a guest room, hoping to be released and visit, and closes with greetings from companions including Mark and Luke.

Key verse: Philemon 1:16

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Paul is quietly asking for Onesimus to be freed or only for a new, brotherly relationship within slavery, and the letter was later quoted by both sides in debates over slavery.

Something to think about

Can two people truly treat each other as equals while the world around them still ranks one above the other?