Philemon 1 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, "

" And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: "

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

Philemon 1:3 means Paul is asking God to give believers undeserved kindness (“grace”) and deep inner calm (“peace”) through Jesus. It’s more than a greeting—he …

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

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

Philemon 1:5 means Paul has heard how much Philemon loves Jesus and cares for other believers. His faith shows up in real, active love. For …

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

Philemon 1:6 means Paul prays that Philemon’s faith will be visible and powerful as he recognizes all the good Christ has worked in him. As …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

" Not 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? "

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

" If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; "

" 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. "

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

Philemon 1:20 encourages believers to bring joy and relief to others through their actions in Christ. In daily life, this means showing kindness and support …

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

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

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

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

" The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. "

Philemon 1:25 is Paul’s closing prayer that Jesus’ kindness, strength, and help would stay deep within the readers’ hearts. It means God’s grace is not …