Philemon 1:17

So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.

Study Bible

So if you consider me a partner
Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their shared faith and partnership in the gospel. The term "partner" (Greek: koinōnos) implies a deep fellowship and mutual participation in the work of Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of community, where believers were seen as co-laborers in spreading the gospel. The concept of partnership is also seen in Philippians 1:5, where Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel.

receive him
Paul is referring to Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. The act of receiving Onesimus back is not just a physical acceptance but a spiritual and relational one, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation. This reflects the transformative power of the gospel, which breaks down social barriers and calls for a new way of relating to one another, as seen in Galatians 3:28.

as you would receive me
Paul equates Onesimus with himself, urging Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same respect and love he would show to Paul. This is a radical request in the context of Roman society, where slaves had little to no rights. It underscores the Christian principle of equality before God, as highlighted in Colossians 3:11. This phrase also typifies Christ's advocacy for believers, as Jesus intercedes on behalf of humanity, asking the Father to receive us as He would His own Son.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is imprisoned at the time of writing and is advocating for Onesimus.

2. Philemon
A Christian leader and the recipient of the letter. He is a wealthy man who hosts a church in his home.

3. Onesimus
A runaway slave who has become a Christian under Paul's mentorship. Paul is sending him back to Philemon with this letter.

4. Colossae
The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home.

5. The Church
The body of believers meeting in Philemon's house, who are also indirectly addressed in the letter.

Teaching Points

Partnership in the Gospel
Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their partnership in Christ. This teaches us the importance of viewing our relationships through the lens of our shared faith.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The letter exemplifies the Christian call to forgive and reconcile, even in difficult circumstances. We are encouraged to seek reconciliation in our own relationships.

Identity in Christ
Onesimus' transformation from a slave to a brother in Christ highlights the new identity believers have. We should view others through the lens of their identity in Christ.

Hospitality and Acceptance
Paul's request for Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul challenges us to practice radical hospitality and acceptance within the body of Christ.

Intercession and Advocacy
Paul acts as an advocate for Onesimus, modeling how we can intercede for others and support them in their spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Paul's appeal to Philemon challenge our understanding of Christian partnership and community?

2. In what ways can we practice reconciliation and forgiveness in our own lives, following the example set in this letter?

3. How does recognizing our identity in Christ change the way we view and interact with others, especially those who have wronged us?

4. What are some practical ways we can show hospitality and acceptance to fellow believers, as Paul encourages Philemon to do?

5. How can we act as advocates for others in our faith communities, and what might that look like in practice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 3:28
This verse speaks to the equality of all believers in Christ, which underpins Paul's appeal for Onesimus to be received as a brother.

Matthew 25:40
Jesus' teaching on receiving others as if they were Him connects to Paul's request for Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul.

2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Discusses the ministry of reconciliation, which is central to Paul's appeal for Onesimus.

Ephesians 6:5-9
Provides context on the relationship between masters and slaves, relevant to understanding the social dynamics in Philemon.

Colossians 4:9
Mentions Onesimus as a faithful and beloved brother, reinforcing his new identity in Christ.