Philemon 1:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.

NIV: So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

NASB: If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.

CSB: So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me.

NLT: So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

KJV: If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

NKJV: If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

In verse 17, Paul amplifies his request for Onesimus to be freed. He does this by offering himself in exchange for the runaway slave's debts. He first appeals to his own friendship with Philemon, referring to him as a "partner." Paul had also called Philemon his "beloved brother and fellow worker" in verse 2. He offers a conditional statement in this verse ("if then you regard me…") but assumed Philemon would accept this condition as true.

Paul's request is that Philemon receive Onesimus as if he were Paul himself. This phrase again supports the view that Paul is asking for Onesimus' freedom, not just his forgiveness (Philemon 1:16). How else could Philemon accept Onesimus as he would accept Paul? The request is much more than merely accepting the return of a runaway slave. Paul intended for Onesimus to be granted a new status.

Though the New Testament writers did not explicitly urge the complete abolishment of slavery, they certainly supported freedom whenever possible (1 Corinthians 7:21) and commanded masters to treat servants well. Later generations of Christians would work to improve the rights of bondservants in society and eventually work to end slavery. Paul appeared to oppose slavery, yet did not make it his main work. He was called as a bond-servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle (Romans 1:1). History shows that Christian principles, correctly applied, corrode the practice of slavery.

Philemon 1:17–22 continues Paul’s request that Philemon free his runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to treat Onesimus exactly as he would Paul himself. And, Paul pledges to repay any debts which Onesimus now owes to Philemon. Paul seems confident that Philemon will grant his request, and asks him make a room ready in anticipation of his release from imprisonment.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.