Philemon 1:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker

NIV: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker--

NASB: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker,

CSB: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother:To Philemon our dear friend and coworker,

NLT: This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker,

KJV: Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

NKJV: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer,

Verses 1–3 introduce this letter, written to Philemon, regarding his runaway slave Onesimus. Verse 1 identifies the authors as Paul and Timothy, though Paul is traditionally considered the primary writer. Timothy was likely writing down Paul's words, though Paul clearly put pen to paper with his own hands for part of it (Philemon 1:19).

Paul calls himself "a prisoner of Christ Jesus." This refers to his period of house arrest around AD 60—62 in Rome (Acts 28:30–31). His reference to "Christ Jesus" rather than "Jesus Christ" is a feature Paul mostly uses in his letters.

Timothy was a convert of Paul and the recipient of Paul's letters 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. He served with Paul on many occasions and was clearly with Paul for part of his house arrest.

Philemon is referred to as a beloved brother and a fellow worker. Philemon was clearly a believer in Christ, but he was probably a Gentile—he lived in the city of Colossae and had a Greek name. And yet, in Christ, Paul—a Jewish man—sees him as an equal and a "brother."

Philemon 1:1–3 introduces Paul’s letter written to Philemon, the owner of a runaway slave named Onesimus. Philemon was a member of the church in Colossae, which met in his home. Paul uses his customary greetings, which imply shared faith and a common Savior. The introduction also mentions Timothy, who is with Paul at the time the letter is written.

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.

Accessed 5/18/2024 8:20:00 PM