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More Philemon commentaries
Philemon 1:1-7
Paul writes to Philemon from prison
Philemon 1:8-17
Plea for forgiveness
Philemon 1:18-25
Onesimus financial obligation
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Onesimus financial obligation
Philemon 1:18–25
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Two little brothers, Harry and James, had finished supper and were playing until bedtime. Somehow, Harry hit James with a stick, and tears and bitter words followed. Charges and accusations were still being exchanged as their mother prepared them for bed. She said, “Now boys … More
Paul asked Philemon to charge any financial obligation Onesimus might have to his account, but don’t forget that you owe me your life. (vv. 18-19). It appears that, as Philemon’s spiritual father, he was hoping that Philemon would feel a debt of gratitude and would want to repay by acccepting Onesimus with a spirit of forgiveness. His ability to pay it back may have come from the gifts sent to him from Philippi (Philippians 4:14-19). He pleads with Philemon, his dear friend and follower of Christ to please cheer him up by doing this for him and goes on to say he is sure he will do all he has asked, and even more (vv. 20-21).
With the plea for Onesimus ended, Paul expresses his desire of visiting Philemon once his case in Rome is decided (v. 22). Paul was released from prison soon after writing this letter, but the Bible doesn’t say whether he returned to Colosee. Epaphras is also in jail with Paul for being a follower of Christ Jesus and he sends his greetings, along with Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who work together with him (vv. 23-24). He then reminds Philemon that he prays that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to him (v. 25)! Paul urges Philemon to be reconciled to his slave, receiving him as a brother and fellow member of God’s family. Reconciliation means reestablishing his relationship. Jesus Christ changed Onesimus relationship to Philemon from being a slave to being a brother
Application
Ask - What do you think you would have done in response to Paul’s letter if you had been in Philemon’s shoes? Is there anyone you can think of who has done something to you that you need to forgive and restore fellowship with?
Philemon 1:18-25 (English Standard Version)
If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it--to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
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