What does Philemon 1:12 mean?
"Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:" - Philemon 1:12
The verse Philemon 1:12 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels." This verse is a part of a letter written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, a prominent Christian in the city of Colossae. In this letter, Paul is addressing an issue regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus who had become a Christian while in Rome. He was now sending Onesimus back to Philemon and asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ, rather than as a mere slave.
In this verse, Paul is communicating to Philemon that he has sent Onesimus back to him, and that Philemon should receive him with love and compassion. The phrase "that is, mine own bowels" is a powerful and emotional statement, indicating the deep love and connection that Paul feels for Onesimus. It reflects Paul's personal investment in the situation and his strong desire for Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same love and care that he would show to Paul himself.
One of the key themes in this verse is the concept of reconciliation and forgiveness. Paul is urging Philemon to reconcile with Onesimus and to forgive him for any wrongs he may have committed in the past. This message is in line with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in human relationships. By sending Onesimus back to Philemon and appealing to him to receive him with love, Paul is modeling the Christian principles of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Another important theme in this verse is the idea of equality and brotherhood in Christ. In the cultural context of the time, slaves were considered property and had no rights or status in society. By asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother, Paul is challenging the social norms and calling for a radical transformation in the way that Christians view and treat one another. This reflects the broader message of equality and unity in Christ that is found throughout the New Testament.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The mention of "mine own bowels" is a powerful metaphor for the deep emotional connection that Paul feels for Onesimus. In the ancient world, the bowels were considered to be the seat of emotions, so by using this phrase, Paul is expressing the depth of his love and concern for Onesimus. This serves to further emphasize the urgency and importance of the message that Paul is conveying to Philemon.
In conclusion, Philemon 1:12 is a verse that speaks to the themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, equality, and brotherhood in Christ. It challenges the social norms of the time and calls for a radical transformation in the way that Christians view and treat one another. The symbolism of "mine own bowels" adds emotional depth to the verse, highlighting the strong personal connection that Paul feels for Onesimus and the urgency of the message that he is conveying to Philemon. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love and forgiveness in the Christian faith.
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Philemon 1:12 - "Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:"
"Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:" - Philemon 1:12
Philemon 1:1 - "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:"
Philemon 1:4-7
Philemon 1:24 - "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."
Philemon 1:23 - "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;"
Philemon 1:17 - "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself."
Philemon 1:25 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."
Philemon 1:11 - "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:"
Philemon 1:15 - "For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;"
Philemon 1:3 - "Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Philemon 1:4 - "I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,"
Philemon 1:18 - "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;"
Philemon 1:8 - "Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,"
Philemon 1:10 - "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:"
Philemon 1:20 - "Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord."
Philemon 1:5 - "Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;"
Philemon 1:14 - "But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly."
Philemon 1:7 - "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."
"Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers." - Philemon 1:24
Philemon 1:6 - "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."
"Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:" - Philemon 1:1
Philemon 1:22 - "But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you."
Philemon 1:16 - "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?"
"There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;" - Philemon 1:23
Philemon 1:9 - "Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ."
Philemon 1:13 - "Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:"
Philemon 1:21 - "Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say."
"If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." - Philemon 1:17
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." - Philemon 1:25