A A 1,2. Epistolary salutations. Paul and Philemon.
B 3. Benediction. "
B C 4-6. Paul's prayer for Philemon. "
D a 7-. Paul's joy in Philemon: Confessed. "
b -7. Bowels of Satan refreshed. "
C G 8. I might enjoin [but I do not]. Onesimus.
H 9. Paul the aged. "
J c 10,11. Onesimus profitable [Onesimos] to you and me. "
d 12. Receive him as myself. "
K 13. Onesimus ministered in your stead. "
K Your benefit. "
C J c Beloved to you and me. "
d 17. 12. Receive him as myself. "
H 18,19- Paul the debtor. "
G -19. I do not say [but I might]. "
B D a 20-. Paul's joy in Philemon: Besought. Paul and Philemon.
-20. "Refresh my bowels". "
C 21,22. Philemon's prayer for Paul. "
A A 23,24. Epistolary. "
B 25. Benediction. "
1. All that we know of Philemon is to be gathered from the Epistle bearing his name. He seems to have been a believer at Colosse, from the reference to certain in the church there , and must have been possessed of means [v.22]. Paul's words indicate that he held his friend in high esteem.
2. Onesimus is the Latinized form of the Greek Onesimos, wich means "useful", or "profitable". He was a slave [v.16], and, fleeing from his master, found his way to Rome, where he was, under Paul, led to become the Lord's freeman, and "called being a servant [slave]", he cared not for it, but was willing to return to his master's service, whether to continue as slave or as "brother beloved" [v.16]. Paul sends the letter by Onesimus.
3. From Col. 4:9 we learn that Paul had sent to the church at Colosse Tychicus "with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you".
4. The Epistle was written during Paul's 1st imprisonment at Rome, probably in 62 A.D.In no one of his Epistles is more clearly shown the great heart of the apostle in his care for every member of the church. See 2 Cor. 11:28,29.
Philemon 1)
1 Paul, a prisoner of (cp. Eph. 3:1; 4:1. 2 Tim. 1:8) Jesus (Gr. Iesous, Heb. Yahshua = Yahaveh's Savior) Christ (Gr. Christos = the Anointed One, i.e. the Messiah), and Timothy the brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer, (See 1 Cor. 3:9.)
2 And to our beloved Apphia (tradition says she was the wife of Philemon), and Archippus (see Col. 4:17) our fellow-soldier, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you, and peace, from God (Gr. Theos, Heb. equivalent to Elohim) our Father (Gr. Pater, it denotes His relationship to His "beloved Son") and the Lord (Gr. Kurios, Heb. equivalent to Yahaveh) Jesus Christ.<>
4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
5 Hearing of your love and the faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; (See Acts 9:13.)
6 [Praying] that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love,
because the bowels (see 1 Cor. 6:12) of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold (lit. having much boldness. Gr. parrhrsia, freedom of speech. Cp Acts 2:29) in Christ to command you that which is convenient,
9 For love's sake I rather beseech you, being such an one as Paul the aged (see Tit. 2:2. Elsewhere Luke 1:18), and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.
10 I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I begat in my bonds:
11 Which in time past was to you not useful, but now profitable to you and to me:
12 Whom I sent back: you therefore receive him, that is, as my own self:
13 Whom I was minded to retain with me, in order that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the Good News:
14 But apart from your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as of necessity, but according to free-will.
15 For perhaps he because of this was separated for a season, that you should receive him for ever;
16 No longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17 If you count me therefore a partaker, receive him as myself.
18 If he wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account;
19 I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it:
that I do not say to you that you owe to me even your own self besides.
20 Yes, brother, may I profit of you in the Lord:
refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will do also above that which I say.
22 But withal prepare also for me a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted as a favor to you.
23 There greet you Epaphras (see Col. 1:7), my fellow-prisoner (see Rom. 16:7) in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus (see Acts 12:12,25; 15:37,39. Col. 4:10. 2 Tim. 4:11. 1 Pet. 5:13), Aristarchus (see Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2. Col. 4:10), Demas (see Col. 4:14. 2 Tim. 4:10), Lucas (see Col. 4:14. 2 Tim. 4:11; and int, notes to Luke's Gospel), my fellow-laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Paul's constant benediction.)