Philemon 1:20

Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

Study Bible

Yes, brother,
Paul addresses Philemon with a term of familial affection, emphasizing the spiritual kinship shared among believers. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, transcending social and cultural boundaries. The use of "brother" underscores the personal and relational nature of Paul's appeal, which is consistent with the teachings of Jesus on the importance of love and unity among His followers (Matthew 12:50).

let me have some benefit from you
Paul is making a personal request, which is significant given the cultural context of patronage in the Roman world. In this society, relationships often involved mutual benefits and obligations. Paul, however, frames this request not as a demand but as an opportunity for Philemon to demonstrate Christian love and generosity. This echoes the principle of mutual edification found in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).

in the Lord.
The phrase "in the Lord" indicates that the benefit Paul seeks is not merely personal but has spiritual significance. It aligns with the Christian understanding that all actions and relationships should be rooted in one's relationship with Christ. This reflects the teaching that believers are to do everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), highlighting the spiritual dimension of even seemingly mundane interactions.

Refresh my heart in Christ.
Paul's request for Philemon to "refresh" his heart is a call for encouragement and support, which is a recurring theme in Paul's letters (e.g., 2 Corinthians 7:13). The term "heart" here refers to the inner being or spirit, indicating a deep emotional and spiritual need. The phrase "in Christ" emphasizes that true refreshment and encouragement come through the shared faith and fellowship in Jesus. This reflects the biblical theme of Christ as the source of comfort and strength (Philippians 4:13).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Philemon, writing from prison. He is appealing to Philemon on behalf of 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 and is now being sent back to Philemon by Paul.

4. The Church in Colossae
The broader community to which Philemon belongs, indicating the communal nature of early Christian life.

5. The Lord (Christ)
Central to the appeal, as Paul seeks to ground his request in their shared faith in Jesus.

Teaching Points

Christian Brotherhood
Paul addresses Philemon as "brother," emphasizing the familial bond among believers. This relationship transcends social and economic statuses, urging us to treat each other with love and respect.

Benefit in the Lord
The "benefit" Paul seeks is not material but spiritual, highlighting the importance of spiritual encouragement and support within the Christian community.

Refreshing Hearts
Just as Paul desires his heart to be refreshed, we are called to be sources of encouragement and renewal for others, reflecting Christ's love and grace.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The letter exemplifies the Christian call to forgive and reconcile, as Paul intercedes for Onesimus, urging Philemon to welcome him back not as a slave but as a brother in Christ.

Living Out Faith
Philemon is encouraged to demonstrate his faith through action, reminding us that our beliefs should be evident in how we treat others, especially those who have wronged us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Paul's relationship with Philemon and Onesimus illustrate the concept of Christian brotherhood?

2. In what ways can we "refresh" the hearts of fellow believers in our own communities?

3. How does the idea of receiving a "benefit in the Lord" challenge our understanding of what it means to support one another spiritually?

4. What steps can we take to practice forgiveness and reconciliation in our personal relationships, as Paul encourages Philemon to do with Onesimus?

5. How can we ensure that our faith is actively demonstrated in our daily interactions with others, particularly those who may have wronged us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 6:10
This verse encourages believers to do good to all, especially to those in the household of faith, which aligns with Paul's request for Philemon to act benevolently towards Onesimus.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, paralleling Paul's desire for Philemon to "refresh" his heart in Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:13
Paul speaks of being comforted by the joy of others, similar to his request for Philemon to bring him joy by accepting Onesimus.