“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Peter 1:20 – 2:1
Verse 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Some readers of the Bible, myself included, have asked, “Why is this letter in the official collection of Bible books?” The Apostle Paul is not teaching doctrine or church organization or Christian living. There is no history or prophecy or songs contained within the sentences of this book. So at first glance, it seems like the book of Philemon does not fit the Bible library. So lets look a little closer at this short book and find out why the original compilers of the books of the Bible chose to include this letter (epistle) from Paul to an unknown individual named Philemon.
Notice that Paul, whose name means “little”, identified himself as the writer and states that he is in prison for preaching about the LORD Jesus Christ. Paul was being held in prison in Rome when he penned this letter. Timothy was Paul’s traveling companion and fellow laborer. His name means “honoring God”. Philemon, whose name means “one who kisses”, was a wealthy resident of Colosse and was the legal owner of the slave, Onesimus, who was the reason for this letter. It appears that, as a result of the Apostle Paul preaching in Colosse (see the book of Colossians) and establishing a church there, Philemon became a believer through Paul’s preaching and teaching and then started a church in his own house. Therefore Paul referred to him as a fellowlabourer.
Verse 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Apphia, whose name means “fruitful”, was thought to be a Christian member of Philemon’s household. Archippus, whose name means “master of the horse”, was thought to be a teacher in Colosse. He is mentioned in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians in chapter 4:17. Both of these men were important to Paul so that he includes them in his greeting and includes them as recipients of this letter.
Verse 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The above greeting is the hallmark of all of Paul’s epistles. See Romans 1:7, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, and Colossians 1:2 for examples. This greeting was not just nice sounding words, but was Paul placing a blessing on those to whom he was writing. Undeserved love and the peace that accompanies it is what every true believer should experience in their life every day. If negative feelings or anxiety arises, the cause is usually sin and/or the believer failing to nurture his/her relationship with the LORD. Think about it.
Verses 4-5 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Paul was a man of prayer. He interceded for the Church and the people in it and he gave thanks to God for all of them. He would establish a church, minister in it until he had people strong in the faith that could continue the ministry, and then, being led by the Holy Spirit/Ghost, he would go to another town and start all over and establish another church. He stayed in contact with each church as much as was possible in a day of communication by hand carried letters, and was aware of how it was doing and if there were problems that needed to be addressed.
Application: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 states, “Pray without ceasing.” Colossians 4:2 states, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Paul commanded believers to pray and offer thanksgiving to God. He practiced what he preached. Believers today are easily distracted by electronic devises and what this writer refers to as “hurry sickness”. It seems that there is never enough time in a day to accomplish all that should be done. Praying does not have to consist of sitting in a room without distractions and talking to the LORD, although that would be the best scenario. Praying for people, for churches and giving thanks can be done anywhere during waking hours, briefly and sincerely. It is just a matter of directing thoughts in the direction of Jesus. Think about it. Driving in a car without the radio or CD player going is one example of time that can be given to the LORD. Cooking a meal or doing dishes in the kitchen is another. Start trying to ‘pray without ceasing’ throughout the day and see what happens.
Verses 6-7 That the communication of thy 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 thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Philemon must have been a very righteous and loving man based on how the Apostle Paul describes him. In verse five above Paul says that Philemon has love towards not only Jesus, but towards all saints. That is not an easy thing to do as not all saints are easy to love. Patience is often required. Then in the verses above, Paul says that Philemon is able to communicate his faith and he is precise and correct in his knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ which is in him, and that he, Paul, is thankful for this and is praying that his ministry will increase as the saints are blessed as a result.
Verses 8-9 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 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.
The Greek word translated as “enjoin” is “epitasso” and it means to order or command. Paul is saying that he could order Philemon to honor his request, but that he would rather just ask Philemon to consider Paul’s age, his condition as a prisoner, and his part in leading Philemon to faith in Jesus as considerations for the honoring of the request that is to come. Paul is diplomatic, persuasive, and gentle.
Verses 10-11 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Paul considers Onesimus to be a son in the spirit as it is through his ministry that Onesimus was converted and became a Christian. Apparently, Onesimus was put in the same prison Paul was in, and it was there that he surrender his life to Jesus. Before his spiritual new birth, as a runaway slave Onesimus was unprofitable or useless. He was a criminal or law breaker. But now, as a believer in Jesus, Onesimus was profitable or useful to Paul, to the ministry of Jesus Christ, and would be useful to his old master, Philemon.
Verses 12-13 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Upon release from prison, Paul sent the repentant Onesimus back to Philemon to make restitution. Paul wanted Philemon to know through this letter that his attachment to the man made him want to keep Onesimus in Rome to minister to him instead of Philemon ministering to him. Remember that Onesimus was still Philemon’s property, and as such, if Onesimus remained with Paul, it would be as if Philemon was providing the ministry to Paul through his servant.
Verses 14-16 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 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?
But Paul would not keep Onesimus with him without Philemon’s knowledge and approval, and so Paul hoped that Philemon would receive Onesimus back as a brother in the LORD instead of as a slave. Philemon was a servant of the LORD in the ministry and Onesimus was now also a servant of the LORD in the ministry. They would be brothers in the spiritual sense, and Paul wanted Philemon to treat his servant as a spiritual brother. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Philemon would have understood the forgiveness of Christ and Paul hoped that He would extend that forgiveness to Onesimus upon his return.
Verses 17-19 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 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.
Paul promises to repay Philemon for anything that is owed him by Onesimus as a result of his running away. It is not known if Onesimus stole from Philemon when he left or if it cost Philemon to hire or buy another servant in his stead. Regardless the details, Paul was willing to repay anything that was owed to Philemon. He was willing to pay the debt even though it was not his and even though Philemon owed Paul a much larger dept as it was because of Paul that Philemon became saved from sin, death and Hell. Paul wanted reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus and was willing to be the instrument to bring it about.
Application: Paul is a type of Christ in this letter. He extended the good news of the Gospel to Onesimus so that he converted and became saved from sin, death, and Hell. Jesus, who is God, came to Earth to extend the good news of the Gospel to all people everywhere. Paul was willing to pay a debt he did not owe just as Christ was willing to pay the debt of mankind’s sins which He did not owe by becoming the final sacrificial Lamb. Paul worked to reconcile the two men so that there would be Christian fellowship between them and so that they could continue to work for the ministry of the Gospel. Jesus did all that He did to reconcile sinful man to Himself so that there could be fellowship between the God of the universe and His creation.
Verses 20-21 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
The Greek word translated as “bowels” is “splagchnon” and it literally means intestines or inner organs. But it was also used by the Hebrews as the place of inward affection such as kindness, love and compassion. The modern equivalent would be the use of the word “heart” to describe the affection one person has for another or to represent human love. Paul was in prison and most likely not experiencing many encouraging days and so he was asking Philemon to grant his request which would bring him joy in a joyless place.
Verses 22-25 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Philemon)
Notice that Paul was hopeful that, through the prayers of the saints, he would be released from prison and be able to return to Colosse to lodge with Philemon for a visit.
So why was the book of Philemon included in the Biblical cannon? Because it demonstrates Jesus as seen through this letter of the Apostle Paul. Jesus is the great reconciler. If a person is like Onesimus and is truly repentant, they will find forgiveness and fellowship with the LORD and with those they have offended. And if an offended person is like Philemon, they will act like Christ and forgive the offender and not seek retaliation. Jesus commands His people to forgive. He paid the debt of sin on the cross. His people have to be obedient to that command.
Jesus is Found in Every Book of the Bible
In the book of Philemon, Jesus is the great reconciler.