Philemon 1:17
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 9
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔχεις
thou count
G2192
ἔχεις
thou count
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 9
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
προσλαβοῦ
receive
G4355
προσλαβοῦ
receive
Strong's:
G4355
Word #:
6 of 9
to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 9
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:23Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.Matthew 10:40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.Philemon 1:12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Historical Context
κοινωνία (koinōnia, partnership) appears in business contexts (Luke 5:10) and spiritual fellowship (Acts 2:42, Philippians 1:5). Paul uses secular term for sacred reality—gospel partnership transcending commercial relationships. The "as myself" formula echoes Jewish legal principle (שָׁלִיחַ, shaliach, sent one): "a man's agent is as himself." Paul authorizes Onesimus as apostolic delegate, sharing Paul's status.
Questions for Reflection
- Who do you consider gospel partners, and how does that partnership affect your practical decisions and relationships?
- When has someone's advocacy (like Paul for Onesimus) changed your perception of another person?
- How do you leverage your relational capital and influence to restore broken relationships and advocate for the marginalized?
Analysis & Commentary
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself—εἰ οὖν με ἔχεις κοινωνόν (ei oun me echeis koinōnon, if therefore you have me as partner) προσλαβοῦ αὐτὸν ὡς ἐμέ (proslabou auton hōs eme, receive him as me). κοινωνός (koinōnos, partner/sharer/fellow) describes gospel partnership—shared mission, mutual support, spiritual union. εἰ (ei, if) introduces first-class condition assuming reality: "since you consider me partner." προσλαμβάνω (proslambanō, receive/welcome/accept) ὡς ἐμέ (hōs eme, as myself)—radical identification.
Paul applies Jesus's principle: receiving the sent one is receiving the sender (Matthew 10:40, John 13:20). The apostolic representative shares apostolic honor. To reject Onesimus is rejecting Paul; to welcome Onesimus is welcoming Paul. This lever—friendship, partnership, honor—puts maximum moral pressure on Philemon without direct command. Ancient friendship (φιλία, philia) and patronage obligated reciprocity; Paul leverages these cultural values for gospel purposes.