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Philemon 1:8-25 · Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- 10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him--who is my very heart--back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back--not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

Philemon 1:8-25

One Volume
by Gary M. Burge

8–22 · Paul’s Appeal: Although Paul is bold enough in Christ to command Philemon to do what he ought (v. 8), he appeals on the basis of love (v. 9). For Paul, the love believers share in Christ bonds them and solidifies Christ’s work of reconciliation on the cross (Col. 1:20–23; 3:11). In other words, this love breaks down social barriers and places all three individuals (Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus) on common ground in Christ. Paul, moreover, in his appeal to Philemon, refers to himself as an “old [or elderly] man” and as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” (v. 9), two descriptors that would elicit compassion and respect from Philemon and the members of the church.

Paul then explains that his request to Philemon is for Paul’s “son,” Onesimus, whom Paul “fathered” (i.e., converted to Christ) w…

Baker Publishing Group, The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary, by Gary M. Burge

Overview and Insights · Paul’s Plea for Onesimus (8–25)

Overview: In the body of the letter we see Paul’s plea for Onesimus. Although Paul could use his positional authority as an apostle, he prefers to use personal authority and appeals on the basis of love (8–9). As an “old man” and a “prisoner” he appeals for his “son Onesimus” (9–10). Onesimus apparently became a Christian when he met Paul in prison (10). Now Paul makes another word play, showing how Onesimus (whose name means “useless”) has now become “useful” (11). Philemon has refreshed the hearts of others; now Paul is sending his “very heart” (Onesimus) back to him (12). In speaking of the help Philemon might have given (13), and in equating Philemon and Onesimus as brothers (16), Paul is putting slave owner and slave on the same level. Paul encourages Philemon to respond in a godly ma…

The Baker Bible Handbook by , Baker Publishing Group, 2016

Philemon 1:8-25 · Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Commentary · Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

Paul then explains that his request to Philemon is for Paul’s “son,” Onesimus, whom Paul “fathered” (i.e., converted to Christ) w…

The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary by Gary M. Burge, Baker Publishing Group, 2016

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