Philemon 1:11 - who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
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What does "Philemon 1:11" mean?
This verse from Philemon 1:11 refers to Onesimus, a slave who had belonged to Philemon. Let's break it down:
"Who once was useless to you...": This implies that Onesimus had not been a good slave to Philemon. He may have been lazy, disobedient, or even run away (which was considered a significant act of rebellion and theft, as a slave's labor was valuable). The word "useless" (Greek: achrēstos) highlights the lack of benefit Philemon derived from him.
"...but now is useful to you and to me.": This is the key transformation. Onesimus, after running away, met Paul and became a Christian under Paul's ministry. This conversion brought about a change in Onesimus's character and behavior. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but not just as a slave. He is now a brother in Christ, and Paul believes he will be a more diligent and helpful servant. The word "useful" (Greek: euchrēstos) contrasts with the earlier "useless" and demonstrates the positive change in Onesimus. The fact that he's now useful to both Philemon and Paul suggests that Onesimus could also assist Paul in his ministry.
In essence, the verse means:
Onesimus, who used to be a burden and of no value to you, Philemon, has now been transformed. He is now a valuable and helpful person, not only to you as your slave but also to me, Paul, in my ministry. This transformation is due to his newfound faith in Christ.
Context within the Letter of Philemon:
Understanding this verse is crucial to understanding the entire letter. Paul is appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not just as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul is subtly asking Philemon to consider freeing Onesimus, although he doesn't directly command it. The change in Onesimus's character is a central part of Paul's argument for leniency and acceptance. It highlights the transformative power of the gospel and the potential for reconciliation and forgiveness. Paul hopes to bridge the social barrier between slave and master through the unifying power of their shared faith.
Philemon 1:11 - who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
What does "Philemon 1:11" mean?
This verse from Philemon 1:11 refers to Onesimus, a slave who had belonged to Philemon. Let's break it down:
"Who once was useless to you...": This implies that Onesimus had not been a good slave to Philemon. He may have been lazy, disobedient, or even run away (which was considered a significant act of rebellion and theft, as a slave's labor was valuable). The word "useless" (Greek: achrēstos) highlights the lack of benefit Philemon derived from him.
"...but now is useful to you and to me.": This is the key transformation. Onesimus, after running away, met Paul and became a Christian under Paul's ministry. This conversion brought about a change in Onesimus's character and behavior. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon, but not just as a slave. He is now a brother in Christ, and Paul believes he will be a more diligent and helpful servant. The word "useful" (Greek: euchrēstos) contrasts with the earlier "useless" and demonstrates the positive change in Onesimus. The fact that he's now useful to both Philemon and Paul suggests that Onesimus could also assist Paul in his ministry.
In essence, the verse means:
Onesimus, who used to be a burden and of no value to you, Philemon, has now been transformed. He is now a valuable and helpful person, not only to you as your slave but also to me, Paul, in my ministry. This transformation is due to his newfound faith in Christ.
Context within the Letter of Philemon:
Understanding this verse is crucial to understanding the entire letter. Paul is appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not just as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul is subtly asking Philemon to consider freeing Onesimus, although he doesn't directly command it. The change in Onesimus's character is a central part of Paul's argument for leniency and acceptance. It highlights the transformative power of the gospel and the potential for reconciliation and forgiveness. Paul hopes to bridge the social barrier between slave and master through the unifying power of their shared faith.