Philemon 1:3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Original Language Analysis
χάρις
Grace
G5485
χάρις
Grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
1 of 12
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰρήνη
peace
G1515
εἰρήνη
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
4 of 12
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 12
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Θεοῦ
God
G2316
Θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πατρὸς
Father
G3962
πατρὸς
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 12
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 12
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
Ancient letters began with sender, recipient, greeting (χαίρειν, chairein, "greetings"). Paul transforms convention into theology: grace replaces generic greeting, peace replaces empty wish. This wasn't merely stylistic but substantive: every Pauline letter roots ethics in God's prior gracious action. The Philemon situation requires grace because neither party merits reconciliation—both are sinners saved by grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you experience grace and peace as divine gifts "from God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ," or do you functionally earn them?
- How should receiving grace from God shape your extending grace to others who've wronged you?
- In what relationships do you need to move from demanding justice to offering grace and pursuing peace?
Analysis & Commentary
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ—χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη (charis hymin kai eirēnē, grace to you and peace). Paul's standard greeting Christianizes Jewish שָׁלוֹם (shalom, peace) and Greek χαίρω (chairō, greetings) into theological reality. χάρις (charis, grace) is unmerited divine favor, the letter's operating principle: as God granted Paul grace (v. 7), Philemon should grant Onesimus grace. εἰρήνη (eirēnē, peace) is restored relationship—what Paul seeks between Philemon and Onesimus.
ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (apo theou patros hēmōn kai kyriou Iēsou Christou, from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ)—grace flows from divine source, not human goodwill. Philemon's gracious response to Onesimus must mirror God's gracious response to sinners. The Father-Son unity in dispensing grace affirms Christ's deity (John 1:17).