Philemon 1

Greeting

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, References Jesus: 2 Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 3:1, Colossians 1:1, 4:11. References Christ: 1 Thessalonians 3:2. Love: Philemon 1:9. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:9, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 2:25, 2 Timothy 1:8 +5

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Love: Romans 16:5. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 16:19, Philippians 2:25, Colossians 4:15, 4:17

3 GraceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace: Romans 1:7, Ephesians 1:2

Thanksgiving and Prayer

4 I thank my GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., making mention of thee always in my prayers, References God: Romans 1:8, Philippians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:3. Kingdom: Ephesians 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 1:2. Prayer: Colossians 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:3 +2

5 Hearing of thy loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; Faith: Ephesians 1:15, Colossians 1:4. Holy: Psalms 16:3, 1 Corinthians 16:1

6 That the communication of thy faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1). may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. References Jesus: 2 Peter 1:8. Good: Matthew 5:16. Parallel theme: Colossians 1:9

7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Parallel theme: Philemon 1:20, 2 Corinthians 7:4, 7:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 3:9, 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 John 1:4 +2

Paul's Plea for Onesimus

8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, References Christ: 1 Thessalonians 2:6. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 3:12, 10:8, Ephesians 5:4

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. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:20. References Jesus: Ephesians 3:1. Parallel theme: Romans 12:1, Ephesians 4:1

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 4:15, Galatians 4:19, Colossians 4:9, 1 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4

11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Parallel theme: Matthew 25:30, Luke 15:24, 15:32, 17:10, Romans 3:12, 2 Timothy 4:11, 1 Peter 2:10 +2

12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Parallel theme: Jeremiah 31:20, Mark 11:25, Luke 15:20, Ephesians 4:32

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16).: Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 16:17, Ephesians 3:1, Philippians 1:7

14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 29:17, 2 Corinthians 9:7

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Parallel theme: Genesis 50:20

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 LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.? References Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:22. Love: 1 Timothy 6:2. Parallel theme: Matthew 23:8, Colossians 3:22

Paul's Appeal and Promise

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. Parallel theme: Philemon 1:12, Matthew 10:40, 2 Corinthians 8:23

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. References Paul: Galatians 5:2. Parallel theme: Galatians 6:11

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Parallel theme: Philemon 1:7, 1:12, 3 John 1:4

21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:3, 7:16, 2 Thessalonians 3:4

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. Faith: Philippians 2:24, 2 John 1:12. Prayer: 2 Corinthians 1:11, Philippians 1:19, James 5:16. Parallel theme: Acts 28:23

Final Greetings and Benediction

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; References Christ: Romans 16:7, Colossians 1:7, 4:12

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. Parallel theme: Acts 12:12, 12:25, 19:29, 27:2, Colossians 4:10, 4:14

25 The grace of our LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Grace: Romans 16:20, Galatians 6:18, 2 Timothy 4:22. Parallel theme: Romans 16:23