INTRODUCTION:  This epistle, along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, was written about 62 or 63 AD while Paul was in the custody of the Roman government.  "The genuineness of the Epistle to Philemon, though it is so brief a letter, is well attested, being contained in the Syriac and Old Latin versions, named in the Muratorian fragment, accepted by Marcion, quoted by Origen and expressly as Paul's, and included by Eusebius among the undisputed books.  It thus strongly supports the genuineness of the other epistles with which it is associated" (Davis).

KEY CHARACTERS:  PAUL -- Born a Roman citizen, he was reared and educated a strict Jew.  He was distinguished as a keeper of the law of Moses, being a Pharisee in principle, precept and practice.  He never met Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry, though he did see him miraculously on the road to Damascus, a trip being made for the purpose of arresting the followers of Christ.  After his conversion, he received numerous revelations from the Lord and finally embarked on one of the most extended and far-reaching missionary careers in history.  In the course of this preaching, he was arrested, made an appeal to Caesar, was carried to Rome and imprisoned.  It was during this period that he wrote these lines to Philemon.  Historians tell us that he died in the persecution of Nero, the emperor notorious for persecuting the Christians of the first century.

PHILEMON -- Philemon was a wealthy member of the church at Colosse.  He was the owner of a runaway slave by the name of Onesimus.  From the text of the Book under consideration, it would appear that Philemon was an influential member of the church at Colosse, and may have even been converted by Paul himself.  Tradition tells us that Philemon, along with his wife, son, and Onesimus, was stoned to death during Nero's brutal persecution.

TIMOTHY -- Timothy was the son of a faithful Jewess, Eunice, and a Greek father.  He was converted when Paul preached in Lyatra, Timothy's hometown.  Timothy accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, was circumcised to avoid undue criticism by the Judaizing teachers, and ended up receiving two of Paul's inspired treatises.  During the imprisonment of Paul, Timothy looked after and cared for him.  There is no reliable secular account of his death, and inspiration does not reveal his fate either.

APPHIA -- She was the wife of Philemon, a Christian herself, and was the co-recipient of this letter from Paul.

ARCHIPPUS -- He was probably the son of Philemon and Apphia, at the very least a close relative.  From the reference in Colossians 4:17, it appears that he was an officer in the church at Colosse, and was encouraged to fidelity in his duties by Paul.

ONESIMUS -- Onesimus was a runaway slave who belonged to Philemon.  He converted to Christianity under the preaching of Paul and his condition is the main reason for the epistle now being considered.  The circumstances surrounding his flight from Philemon seem to be the theft of some money.  After meeting and hearing Paul, however, his life took a turn for the better.  Tradition tells us that after his conversion and return to Philemon he became an influential leader in the church at Colosse, though others by the same name  could  be  referred
to.  He probably was stoned to death under Nero.

EPAPHRAS -- He was a friend to Paul, a co-worker, and instrumental in the founding of the church at Colosse.  He was respected as a leader in the church there, as well as in all Asia, and among other things, came to report on the progress of the Asian churches during Paul's imprisonment in Rome.  He is highly respected and greatly praised by Paul.

MARCUS -- We know this man better by another, yet similar, name:  Mark.  He was the writer of the second gospel, and was a companion of both Paul and Peter at various times.  "John" was his Jewish name, "Mark" being Latin.  His mother was named "Mary", and seems to have been a wealthy and influential woman in Jerusalem.  It was at her house that many of the disciples met after the resurrection, and Mark seems to have been a part of the Christian community from the start.  He was nephew to the "Barnabas" who accompanied Paul on the first missionary journey, and himself went also.  Paul became irritated with him, and subsequently with Barnabas, after Mark deserted on the journey, and a division between them (Paul and Barnabas) arose because of this.  Later on, however, Paul seems to have forgiven and forgotten, as he called for Mark, asking that he bring "the books".  History tells us that he died a martyr.

ARISTARCHUS -- He was a loyal co-worker of Paul, being from Thessalonica, arrested in Ephesus with Gaius during the riot that followed Paul's first visit there.  He became close with Paul, and was his constant companion in his final years on earth.  Tradition tells us that he died a martyr's death in Rome under the persecution of Nero.

DEMAS -- We read first of Demas in Colossians 4:14, where he sends greetings to the Colossians along with Paul and Luke.  He is called in this letter (24) a "fellow labourer".  Later however, Demas forsook Paul (II Timothy 4:10), deserting the cause of Christ in preference to loving this present world.  There is no reliable word concerning his life after his apostasy, and there is no indication that he ever returned to the faith.

LUCAS -- The beloved physician, this is the Luke who wrote the third gospel record and the book of Acts.  History tells us that he was educated as a non-Jew and was converted to Christ without ever being a Jew by faith.  He was present for some of Paul's second and third missionary journey's, and stayed with Paul until his death in Rome.  Traditions are many and varied about his life, (that is to say, we can't tell which one is true so I won't venture a guess).

PHILEMON:  NOTES

1     PAUL, A PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST  This is a literal reference after the flesh and after the spirit.  He was in jail in Rome because of the gospel, and he was enslaved to Christ who paid for him, and us, the debt for his sins that he (nor we) could never pay.  AND TIMOTHY OUR BROTHER  According to II Timothy 4:9, Timothy had been summoned by Paul to come to Rome and aid him, and had willingly gone.  Being from Colosse, Timothy probably knew and was known by Philemon.  Paul often listed Timothy in his epistles as one who sent greetings:  II Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, I Thessalonians 1:1, 2.  UNTO PHILEMON OUR DEARLY BELOVED, AND FELLOW-LABOURER.  The word "fellow-labourer" does not in itself indicate in what capacity he helped Paul, but merely that he helped him.   We are left to assume that  Paul refers to the fact that both he and Philemon  were
labouring in the cause of Christ.

2     AND TO OUR BELOVED APPHIA AND ARCHIPPUS OUR FELLOW-SOLDIER  (See above).  The term "fellow-soldier" indicates that Archippus was actively engaged in the army of the Lord (Ephesians 6:10-17, II Timothy 2:3-4).  AND TO THE CHURCH IN THY HOUSE  Most probably the church that met in his house, but could mean  those of his family that were Christians.  The modern practice of meeting in buildings owned by the Church had not yet come into being, as the church was in its infancy, and it was common for them to assemble in the house of a member which was large enough to accommodate such a gathering.

3     GRACE TO YOU, AND PEACE, FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST  A common greeting in New Testament times, designed to wish the necessary grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-10) and the fruit of fidelity (Galatians 5:22-23) on the recipients of the Letter.  The reference to the Father and the Son here connects the promises of the Old Testament with the fulfillment of the New Testament, showing a continuity of design and purpose between the two.

4     I THANK MY GOD  The ground of the thanksgiving was that which Paul had heard of Philemon and his faithful family.  MAKING MENTION OF THEE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS  He mentioned him in his prayers by thanking God for him, and doubtless asking that God's blessings and help might rest with him as well.

5     HEARING OF THY LOVE AND FAITH  Either by Onesimus or some other one who would know of it.  His love was for the brethren and his faith was in the Lord.  WHICH THOU HAST  Which characterized him, or was a defining trait in his life.  TOWARD THE LORD JESUS  Indicating that he was a faithful follower of the Lord, neither one who held to the removed law of Moses nor a practitioner of heathenism.  AND TOWARD ALL SAINTS  "Saints" comes from the same word for "sanctified", and indicates one set apart for the purpose of serving the Lord.  All faithful Christians are saints, and we are saints in life, not death, as the Catholic Church erroneously suggests.

6     THAT THE COMMUNICATION OF THY FAITH  This is the request made by Paul of the Lord on behalf of Philemon, i.e., that others might partake of the benefits of (communication) the faith of Philemon.  MAY BECOME EFFECTUAL  May be energized, operative, active.  He prays that the faith of Philemon might be a working one as opposed to a private affair.  BY THE ACKNOWLEDGING  This points to the recognition of Philemon's faith by others.  OF EVERY GOOD THING WHICH IS IN YOU  He here prays that Philemon's life might be a demonstration of the conviction that is in his heart.  IN CHRIST JESUS  Rather, "towards Christ Jesus."  Jesus Christ was the object of the goodness in the heart of Philemon.  "The truth which is taught in this passage, therefore, is, that when faith exists in the heart, it is very desirable that it should impart its proper fruits towards others in such a way that all may see that it is operative, and may recognize its power" (Barnes).

7     FOR WE HAVE GREAT JOY AND CONSOLATION IN THY LOVE  The love Philemon had for the brethren brought great joy and comfort to Paul and company.  BECAUSE THE BOWELS OF THE SAINTS ARE REFRESHED BY THEE, BROTHER  The word "bowels" here means heart, or mind, referring to the affections.  The thought is that the good Philemon did for others brought great happiness to Paul.

8     WHEREFORE, THOUGH I MIGHT BE MUCH BOLD IN CHRIST TO ENJOIN THEE THAT WHICH IS CONVENIENT  He here refers to the authority he had as an apostle of Christ, indicating that he could just tell him to do what he was about to ask him to do.  Instead of
offering a command, which was well within his power to do, he chose to ask Philemon, based on his own goodness and faithfulness to the Lord, to do these things as a personal favor to him.

9     YET FOR LOVE'S SAKE  The love Paul had for him, he had for Paul, and he had for the church and the cause of Christ.  I RATHER BESEECH THEE  As opposed to commanding him.  BEING SUCH AN ONE AS PAUL THE AGED  If Paul was, as some historians suggest, about 24 when he was called "a young man" at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58), he would be about 53 at the time of the writing of this letter.  AND NOW ALSO A PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST  Both enslaved to him as a Christian and imprisoned for the cause of Christ at the hands of the Roman government.

10     I BESEECH THEE FOR MY SON ONESIMUS  Onesimus was Paul's son in the faith, that is, he converted Onesimus.  This means of referring to him was designed to call to the mind of Philemon the closeness and affection of Paul toward him (Onesimus).  "Any other mode of bringing the case before the mind of Philemon might have repelled him" (Barnes).  Philemon knew Onesimus as a thief and runaway slave, Paul wishes to introduce him to Onesimus as the converted soul who has forsaken his former ways.  WHOM I HAVE BEGOTTEN IN MY BONDS  Or, who has been converted by me while a prisoner.  We do not know the specific circumstances of their meeting, nor why Onesimus allowed Paul to teach him, but we do know that he did meet Paul and was taught and converted by him.

11     WHICH IN TIME PAST WAS TO THEE UNPROFITABLE  The name "Onesimus" means "profitable", and Paul may be saying that because of the alleged theft and desertion he had not formerly lived up to his name -- BUT NOW PROFITABLE TO THEE  Now, however, the case was different.  He indicates that despite the past Onesimus was now on the right track and would live up to the implications of his name.  He was now as he should be.  Though Philemon lost money on him before, now he is to be viewed as a profitable and faithful servant.  AND TO ME  This refers to the help Onesimus had given Paul while a prisoner.  It also invokes the common element shared between Paul and Philemon, i.e., the gospel.

12     WHOM I HAVE SENT AGAIN  Paul had sent Onesimus back to Philemon, carrying this letter as he went, and reference is made to this trip.  THOU THEREFORE RECEIVE HIM, THAT IS, MINE OWN BOWELS  That is, receive him as one that is dear to my heart, receive him as my beloved.

13     WHOM I WOULD HAVE RETAINED WITH ME, THAT IN THY STEAD  Paul desired to keep Onesimus with him, that he might minister to Paul, and he here refers to what services were rendered by this runaway slave as being "in thy stead", or rendered by one in the place of Philemon, yet credited to Philemon's account.  HE MIGHT HAVE MINISTERED UNTO ME  Those things which a prisoner would need he desired to receive from Onesimus.

14     BUT WITHOUT THY MIND WOULD I DO NOTHING  Despite the fact that I love Onesimus, and that he has proven faithful and profitable to me in my bonds and in the ministry, I would never keep him here without your approval.  THAT THY BENEFIT  Reference is made to the fact that what Onesimus had done for Paul, Paul credited to Philemon.  SHOULD NOT BE AS IT WERE OF NECESSITY  Onesimus belonged to Philemon, he was his slave.  Paul did not wish to keep him without the approval of Philemon because of this.  Should Philemon wish to allow him to stay with Paul that would be fine, but he could not stay without this consent.

15     FOR PERHAPS HE THEREFORE DEPARTED FOR A SEASON  That is, Maybe he left you for a little while  -----  THAT THOU SHOULDEST RECEIVE HIM FOR EVER   He left for a
little while but now he will be with you for eternity.  He left as a criminal, he returns as a fellow-servant of Jesus Christ.  Herein Paul points out the changed nature of Onesimus, invoking tenderness and forgiveness in the mind of Philemon toward this changed man.

16     NOT NOW AS A SERVANT  He was no longer to be viewed as mere property, merely a slave.  BUT ABOVE A SERVANT, A BROTHER BELOVED,  He now stood on equal footing with Paul and Philemon as a faithful Christian.  SPECIALLY TO ME  Reference to the warm place in Paul's heart occupied by Onesimus.  BUT HOW MUCH MORE UNTO THEE, BOTH IN THE FLESH  He has returned to his owner and therefore is again profitable to him.  AND IN THE LORD?  He offers more than just physical help now, as he labors both in things pertaining to the flesh (as a servant) and in things pertaining to the Lord (as a Christian).  Would not this be a good bargain, the loss of a thief and the return of a faithful Christian?

17     IF THOU COUNT ME THEREFORE A PARTNER  That is, if you consider me to be an equal, if you count me as a co-worker in the kingdom of God -- RECEIVE HIM AS MYSELF  Do not kill him for stealing or desertion, receive him as you would receive me.  Paul had done things worthy of death, yet he lived; Philemon knew of Paul's past and took no action to punish him for it and Paul asks that he treat Onesimus likewise.

18     IF HE HATH WRONGED THEE  Reference to the desertion, and perhaps to stealing or not doing what he was obligated as a slave to do.  OR OWETH THEE OUGHT  If he borrowed anything from you in the past, etc.  We have no way of knowing for sure what the source of this potential debt may have been.  PUT THAT ON MINE ACCOUNT.  Paul goes to great lengths to secure forgiveness and the safety of this dearly beloved man.  If, he says, he owes you anything I will that it be charged to me.  Erase his debt and charge it to me.

19     I PAUL HAVE WRITTEN IT WITH MINE OWN HAND  Usually Paul dictated his letters, but this seems to indicate that he penned this one in full.  I WILL REPAY IT  Paul here assumes any debt owed Philemon by Onesimus, thus making it possible for him to be received as a brother in good standing.  ALBEIT I DO NOT SAY TO THEE HOW THOU OWEST UNTO ME EVEN THINE OWN SELF BESIDES  Paul had doubtless converted Philemon (or so these words seem to indicate), and he refers to this to make the point that if he charged Paul for Onesimus, he should remember that Paul did for him (Philemon) more than he could ever fully repay and yet did not charge.

20     YEA, BROTHER, LET ME HAVE JOY OF THEE IN THE LORD  He indicates that great pleasure in the Lord would come to Paul if Philemon would do this favor for him.  REFRESH MY BOWELS IN THE LORD  By receiving Onesimus the concerns of Paul for his safety would be eased.  He therefore asks that Philemon receive Onesimus and indicates the pleasure this would bring him.

21     HAVING CONFIDENCE IN THY OBEDIENCE  That is, Paul affirms his expectation that Philemon would do as he was asked.  I WROTE UNTO THEE  i.e., I have written this epistle in full confidence that you will comply with my requests.  KNOWING THAT THOU WILT ALSO DO MORE THAN I SAY  He was not only confident that Philemon would grant his request as offered, but that he would willingly do so and more.

22     BUT WITHAL PREPARE ME ALSO A LODGING  Paul had perhaps stayed with Philemon in the past, and asks that he ready a place for him in the future.  FOR I TRUST THROUGH YOUR PRAYERS I SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU  He (Paul) believed that he would be released from prison and have the opportunity to visit again with Philemon and Onesimus and makes provisions in advance for the lodging and sustenance  needed on such a
trip.  Philippians 1:25 and 2:23-24 seem to indicate that such a release may well have occurred, and he may well have made this visit; though we do not know this for sure.

23     THERE SALUTE THEE EPAPHRAS  (See above).  MY FELLOW-PRISONER IN CHRIST JESUS  He was at the least a fellow-Christian, and probably a fellow inmate, though the reason for his incarceration is nowhere given.

24     MARCUS, ARISTARCHUS, DEMAS, LUCAS, (See above).  MY FELLOW-LABOURERS   Again, helpers in the cause of Christ.

25     THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOUR SPIRIT  May God's grace comfort and help you along life's way.  May it refresh your inward man.  AMEN  A word meaning "so be it", indicating the satisfaction on the part of Paul that the things requested are proper and should be carried out as he instructed.