What does Philemon 1:8-20 mean?
"This is Paul’s own handwriting, and I will pay you back. I won’t mention the fact that you owe me your very self." - Philemon 1:8-20
The Bible verse Philemon 1:8-20, from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, is an important and meaningful passage that has many layers of symbolism, themes, and context that can be explored.
"I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 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? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say."
The letter to Philemon, written by the apostle Paul, is a personal and heartfelt plea for reconciliation between Philemon and his runaway slave, Onesimus. In this passage, Paul beseeches Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
The themes present in this passage are numerous. One of the most prominent themes is that of forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus for his past transgressions and to receive him back with love and compassion. This reflects the central message of Christianity, which is one of forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. It also speaks to the idea of treating others with grace and compassion, regardless of their past actions.
Another important theme in this passage is the idea of brotherhood and equality in Christ. Paul emphasizes that Onesimus should be received not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. This challenges the social norms and hierarchical structures of the time, emphasizing the fact that all believers are equal in the eyes of God. This theme is particularly powerful in the context of slavery, as it challenges the dehumanizing institution and advocates for the equal treatment of all individuals.
The symbolism in this passage is also rich and profound. The mention of Onesimus as Paul's "son" and "begotten in my bonds" carries the symbolism of spiritual rebirth and parental care. This emphasizes the idea that through Christ, individuals can be transformed and receive a new identity as children of God. The symbolism of Onesimus being sent back to Philemon also carries the message of reconciliation and restoration, as well as the idea of facing one's past and seeking forgiveness.
In the broader context of the New Testament, this passage echoes the teachings of Jesus regarding forgiveness and love. It also reflects the radical social implications of the gospel, as it challenges the prevailing social norms and calls for the equal treatment of all individuals, regardless of their social status.
Overall, Philemon 1:8-20 is a powerful and meaningful passage that speaks to the central values of Christianity, including forgiveness, reconciliation, and the equality of all believers in Christ. It also carries the hope of transformation and restoration, and calls for a radical reimagining of social structures in light of the gospel.
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Philemon 1:8-20 Artwork
Philemon 1:8-20 - "Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self."
"Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self." - Philemon 1:8-20
Philemon 1:20 - "Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord."
Philemon 1:8 - "Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,"
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:"
"Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord." - Philemon 1:20
"Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient," - Philemon 1:8
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 1:10 - "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 1:5 - "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?"
1 Chronicles 8:20 - "And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel,"
"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."