Philemon 1:22 - Printer Friendly

ESV: At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

NIV: And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

NASB: At the same time also prepare me a guest room, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you.

CSB: Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

NLT: One more thing — please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.

KJV: But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

NKJV: But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

Paul ends the main body of his letter with a somewhat surprising request: for Philemon to have a guest room ready for him. Paul expected to be released soon from his Roman house arrest. How he knew this, we are not certain. Paul may have received a spiritual answer from God regarding his future. It is also possible that this letter was written near the end of his two years under house arrest, and his accusers had not yet appeared for his court case. Under Roman law, a prisoner held for two years without being confronted by his accusers had to be released.

The final phrase in this verse offers other wonderful insights. First, Paul recognized Philemon's prayers for his freedom. Undoubtedly, many Christians were praying for Paul's release during this time, even though Paul had been in jail for two years in Caesarea and then two more years in Rome. Philemon and the other Christians in the Colossian church were faithful in prayer.

Second, Paul planned to visit Philemon after his release. This was a huge statement, as Paul had previously mentioned his desire to take the message of Jesus to Spain (Romans 15:24–28). Now he planned to visit Philemon, and apparently soon, since he requested a room prepared for him. The letters of 1 Timothy and Titus both indicate Paul did have further ministry in this region of the Roman Empire before his death. It is uncertain whether Paul ever traveled to Spain.

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.