“But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.”

Philemon 1:1-25

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

 

Paul’s word for “prisoner” here has the meaning of “one under bondage,” pointing out that Paul and Onesimus had much in common.

 

To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, [2] to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

 

Paul uses the word for “fellow laborer” or “fellow soldier” pointing out that Paul and Philemon had much in common.

 

[3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[4] I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, [5] hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, [6] that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. [7] For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

 

Paul encourages Philemon before exhorting or warning as Jesus has done in Revelation.

Rev. 2:1-4

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: [2] I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; [3] and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. [4] Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Rev. 2:8-10

“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write,

‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: [9] I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

 

• Should we use this as an example of how to “break the news” or how to confront those within the body who are in need of exhortation?
• Do we encourage our fellow Christians as Paul does?
• In what ways could we encourage them if we wished?
• Are the hearts of the saints blessed by us, by our actions, by our attitude?

 

[8] Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, [9] yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you–being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ– [10] I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, [11] who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.

 

• Paul here refused to “throw his weight around” or to “pull rank.”
• Are there times when we should exercise what “ranking” or advantage we might possess? If so, when?
• When should we stand humbly without pulling rank.
• Which should be our first step in encouraging or exhorting a brother or sister?

 

[12] I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, [13] whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. [14] But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. [15] For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, [16] no longer as a slave but more than a slave–a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

 

• What does it take to reestablish trust with someone who has made a major mistake?
• Do you think Paul is asking for Onesimus to be returned to him in prison?

 

[17] If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. [18] But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. [19] I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay–not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. [20] Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. [21] Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. [22] But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

 

• Can you see a parallel here with how Jesus addresses the Father on our account?
• What is the basis of Paul’s confidence that Philemon will do as he asks?
• What is the basis of our confidence in the Father doing as Jesus asks on our behalf?

 

[23] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, [24] as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

 

Who was this Demas? He’s mentioned three times in Scripture: here, Col.4:14, & 2 Tim.

Col. 4:14

Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

2 Tim. 4:10

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica–Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.