What does Philemon 1:20 mean?
ESV: Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
NIV: I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
NASB: Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
CSB: Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
NLT: Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
KJV: Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
NKJV: Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
Verse Commentary:
Paul calls Philemon his "brother." This same word is also used in this letter in reference to Timothy (Philemon 1:1), Onesimus (Philemon 1:16), and now twice of Philemon (Philemon 1:7, 20). All of these men were to be seen as equals, as brothers in Christ.
Paul is directly asking for a benefit from Philemon. Paul was not asking for money, but rather a "yes" to his request regarding Onesimus. Philemon was to both forgive Onesimus and free him from his role as bondservant. The "heart" was already mentioned in verse 7, which described how Philemon's actions refreshed the hearts of the Christians of Colossae. Paul also called Onesimus his "very heart" (Philemon 1:12). Philemon now had the opportunity to personally refresh Paul's heart, by granting his request.
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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 4/30/2024 8:10:04 PM
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