Why does Paul ask Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother?

Atlas of Saints · Chapter summary

Paul asks for a welcome based on love: receive Onesimus as a dear brother, and let the good deed be voluntary.

Chapter breakdown

Paul writes from prison with Timothy. He greets Philemon, Appia, Archippus, and the church that meets in Philemon’s house. He asks God to give them grace and peace. Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith in Jesus and his love for the saints. That love has brought Paul joy and has refreshed their hearts.

Paul could tell Philemon what to do, but he chooses to ask in love. His request concerns Onesimus. Paul calls him his son, whom he has brought to faith while in chains. Onesimus was once unhelpful to Philemon; now he is useful to both men. Paul sends him back and asks Philemon to receive him as Paul’s own heart.

Paul wanted Onesimus to stay and help him in prison. Yet he would do nothing without Philemon’s consent. He wants Philemon’s good deed to be freely chosen. Perhaps their brief separation will lead to a lasting bond. Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as more than a servant: as a dear brother, both in the flesh and in the Lord. If Philemon counts Paul as a partner, he should welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul.

If Onesimus has wronged Philemon or owes him anything, Paul offers to pay. He writes that promise in his own hand. The letter does not state a debt amount or record a payment. Paul trusts that Philemon will do more than he asks. He also asks for a room, hoping their prayers will lead to his release. He closes with greetings from Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. The letter does not tell us how Philemon answered or whether Paul made the hoped-for visit.

The story inside

Paul is in prison and wants Onesimus to help him. Instead, he sends him to Philemon. He asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul. Paul offers to cover any wrong or debt and hopes to visit. We hear Paul’s appeal, but not Philemon’s reply.

Lessons worth keeping

1
Paul appeals in love even though he could give a command.
2
“Perhaps” leaves the purpose of the separation uncertain.
3
The offer to pay concerns any possible wrong or debt. No amount, payment, or final response is recorded.

Test your recall

Why does Paul refuse to keep Onesimus without Philemon’s consent?

Show answer

He wants Philemon’s good deed to be voluntary, rather than forced by necessity.

Source edition and notes

Douay–Rheims, revised by Richard Challoner (1749–1752). Project Gutenberg no. 1581. Locators refer to lines in the admitted pg1581.txt edition. Source notes may include Challoner commentary.

Lines 135194–135195
1:14. But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.
Lines 135200–135202
1:16. Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
Lines 135206–135210
1:18. And if he hath wronged thee in any thing or is in thy debt, put that to my account. 1:19. I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee that thou owest me thy own self also.
Lines 135215–135216
1:21. Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.