Philemon 1:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,

NIV: I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.

NASB: whom I wanted to keep with me, so that in your behalf he might be at my service in my imprisonment for the gospel;

CSB: I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.

NLT: I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.

KJV: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

NKJV: whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.

The opening phrase of this verse reveals important information about the context of this letter. Onesimus was with Paul in Rome, during Paul's house arrest, and was of value to him. The second phrase in this verse explains why: so he could help Paul in some of the ways Philemon had. Onesimus had been a runaway slave, but was now voluntarily serving Paul's needs.

Paul is once again imprisoned for the gospel, something he endured often for his missionary work. Paul is writing to Philemon under house arrest, waiting to appeal his court case to Emperor Caesar. The Bible does not say whether or not this appeal ever took place. According to Roman law, a person would be released if accusers did not appear within two years. This may have been Paul's case (Acts 28:30–31). This partly explains the suggestion in verse 22 that Paul may soon visit Philemon in Colossae. Paul's activity after this house arrest is partly described in the letters 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.

Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.

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 4/29/2024 9:41:49 AM