Interpretation of Paul's letter to Philemon
interpretation - meaning - commentary - explanation
Philemon "[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: [3] Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, [5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; [6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. [7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. [8] Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, [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.
[10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: [11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: [12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: [13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: [14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; [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? [17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. [18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; [19] 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. [20] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. [21] Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. [22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. [23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; [24] Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.)"
During his missionary journeys, Paul met Philemon, probably living in Colossae. He was converted to Christianity, as evidenced by the words recorded in the above letter. After some time, the apostle was imprisoned in Rome. We don't know exactly when Onesimus, a fugitive slave from Philemon, met Paul; it could have been while he was in prison or in a rented apartment. What is surprising, however, is that Onesimus ended up with the apostle. This may indicate that Philemon was teaching Christianity to slaves, while at the same time planting a seed in Onesimus' heart that triggered his desire to know God more closely. It is clear, however, that the letter does not condemn slavery, but actually encourages Philemon to take back a slave. There is no word here about letting him go free.
Slavery in the Bible
Slavery in the Bible indicated a type of forced labor, allowed the payment of all debts, gave slaves rights, and promised freedom after working a given period. A slave could also be made voluntarily, slavery was not related to skin color, and was characterized by a very high degree of freedom and rights, which were lacking in the peoples surrounding Israel. A slave who was disadvantaged received freedom without waiting for the number of years worked. Biblical slavery was not as bad as we think, because a slave, after working the required number of years, could, of his own free will, permanently give up being a slave.
Paul mentioned Philemon in his prayers and spoke positively about him. Philemon's attitude caused other people's hearts to humble. It has been alleged that Paul artificially praised Philemon in order to reaccept Onesimus. However, this is a misjudgment, since, as we read in verse 8, he did not have to do so, and such a false attitude was not recognized by the apostles. A Christian who sincerely accepted Jesus into his heart (and such was Philemon) did not need flattery, enjoyed the love of Christ, exalted God, not himself. Philemon was one such Christian.
In verse 8 we see how much Paul was respected by Philemon and the church. He could have boldly ordered Philemon to take the fugitive in, but he didn't, knowing that he would do so out of the love flowing from his heart, through the love of Jesus Christ. In verse 10 we read how Paul writes that Onesimus "begotten in my bonds". This indicates that the escaped slave was born again and it is possible that he was also baptized. A born-again person is one who has abandoned his former life for the love of Jesus Christ and has entered a new life with God dwelling in his heart.
Onezym slave decides to return to Philemon
We further read that the slave changed so much that he went from being useless to being very useful. So much so that Paul wanted him to stay with him, helping him through the difficult times he spent in prison. However, he did not do so, and he had the right to do so, preferring to let Philemon make the decision. It is worth noting that Onesimus decided of his own free will to return to Philemon, no one forced him to do so. So why did he do so? This is a sufficient answer to how biblical slavery differed from the one we know commonly. Which slave would willingly return to a home where he would be beaten, raped, tortured and treated like an object?
Verses 18 and 19 indicate how much we should owe our closeness to God to those who brought us to the Creator. It is better to be indebted to a Christian for the rest of one's life and retain eternal life, than to live without God and lose what is most precious. Paul's trust in Philemon shows the closeness that prevailed between the followers of Jesus Christ at the time, which is so lacking in the present day.
While writing his letter, Paul was in Roman captivity. This did not discourage his faith; on the contrary, he rejoiced in enduring the inconvenience for the sake of the Gospel. Had he not been there, he might not have met Onesimus, who, as the words of Scripture indicate, had been reborn, and would therefore receive the gift of eternal life through the grace of Jesus Christ.
