What does Philemon 1:17 mean?
"If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." - Philemon 1:17
In Philemon 1:17, the apostle Paul writes to Philemon, "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." This verse is part of a letter written by Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian living in Colossae. The background to this letter is the story of Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon and encountered Paul while he was in prison. Through their interactions, Onesimus became a Christian and had come to be of great help to Paul. Paul, in this letter, intercedes on behalf of Onesimus, asking Philemon to receive his former slave back not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.
In this verse, Paul is making a powerful statement about the equality and unity of all believers in Christ. He is urging Philemon to view Onesimus not as a mere slave, but as an equal partner in the faith. This challenges the social hierarchy of the time, as slaves were considered property and had no rights or status. By asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself, Paul is emphasizing the equal standing of all believers before God, regardless of their social status or background. This reflects the broader theme of equality and brotherhood in Christ that is found throughout the New Testament.
Contextually, this verse is situated within Paul’s overall message of reconciliation and forgiveness. Paul is encouraging Philemon to demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel by welcoming Onesimus back with love and forgiveness. In the preceding verses, Paul communicates his desire for Philemon to act out of love rather than obligation, suggesting that he would have preferred to command Philemon in the matter, yet he chooses to appeal to him on the basis of love. This reflects Paul’s understanding of the Christian faith, which is rooted in love and forgiveness. By receiving Onesimus as a brother, Philemon would be embodying the love and grace of God, which transcends societal norms and expectations.
Symbolically, the act of Philemon receiving Onesimus as an equal partner carries great significance. In the Roman society of the time, social status and hierarchy were of utmost importance, and slaves were often treated as less than human. By asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as a partner, Paul is challenging the cultural norms and values of the day. He is pointing to the transformative power of the gospel, which breaks down barriers and unites people from diverse backgrounds as equal members of the body of Christ. In a broader sense, this verse serves as a reminder of the Christian call to love and embrace all people, regardless of their status or past actions.
In conclusion, Philemon 1:17 carries a message of equality, unity, and reconciliation. It challenges the social norms of the time and calls for a radical, Christ-centered approach to relationships. Paul’s appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus as a partner is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the inclusive nature of the Christian faith. This verse continues to inspire and challenge believers to embody the love and grace of God in their relationships with others.
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Philemon 1:17 - "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself."
"If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." - Philemon 1:17
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 1:25 - "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 1:7 - "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."
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 1:12 - "Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:"
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."
"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."
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." - Philemon 1:25
"Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:" - Philemon 1:11