Philemon 1:17 - If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
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What does "Philemon 1:17" mean?
This verse, Philemon 1:17, is a crucial part of Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon. Let's break it down:
"If then you count me a partner..." This establishes Paul's close relationship with Philemon. "Partner" (Greek: koinonos) suggests a shared faith, fellowship, and perhaps even business or ministry partnership. Paul is reminding Philemon of their bond and mutual respect. He's saying, "If you value our relationship and consider me a brother and friend..."
"...receive him as you would receive me." This is the core of Paul's plea. "Receive him" means to welcome Onesimus back, but not just as a slave who ran away. Paul wants Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same honor, respect, and love that he would extend to Paul himself. This is a profound request because Onesimus was a slave, generally considered property, and had wronged Philemon.
In essence, Paul is asking Philemon to:
Forgive Onesimus: To put aside the anger and resentment Onesimus's running away likely caused.
Accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ: Paul has converted Onesimus to Christianity while he was away. This means that Onesimus is now part of the same spiritual family as Philemon. Paul is appealing to their shared faith to transcend the social hierarchy of slave and master.
See Onesimus differently: No longer just as a runaway slave but as a transformed person, a fellow believer, and a valuable member of the Christian community.
Show radical grace and love: Paul is challenging Philemon to embody the Christian values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and treating others with the same love Christ showed them.
The verse highlights key Christian themes:
Forgiveness: Overcoming offenses and releasing bitterness.
Reconciliation: Restoring broken relationships and building bridges.
Equality in Christ: Recognizing that all believers are equal in God's eyes, regardless of social status.
Love and compassion: Showing Christ-like love and empathy towards others, even those who have wronged us.
Paul's appeal is powerful because it's not a command but a heartfelt request based on their mutual faith and friendship. He's appealing to Philemon's better nature and challenging him to live out his Christian beliefs in a very tangible way.
Philemon 1:17 - If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
What does "Philemon 1:17" mean?
This verse, Philemon 1:17, is a crucial part of Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon. Let's break it down:
"If then you count me a partner..." This establishes Paul's close relationship with Philemon. "Partner" (Greek: koinonos) suggests a shared faith, fellowship, and perhaps even business or ministry partnership. Paul is reminding Philemon of their bond and mutual respect. He's saying, "If you value our relationship and consider me a brother and friend..."
"...receive him as you would receive me." This is the core of Paul's plea. "Receive him" means to welcome Onesimus back, but not just as a slave who ran away. Paul wants Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same honor, respect, and love that he would extend to Paul himself. This is a profound request because Onesimus was a slave, generally considered property, and had wronged Philemon.
In essence, Paul is asking Philemon to:
Forgive Onesimus: To put aside the anger and resentment Onesimus's running away likely caused.
Accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ: Paul has converted Onesimus to Christianity while he was away. This means that Onesimus is now part of the same spiritual family as Philemon. Paul is appealing to their shared faith to transcend the social hierarchy of slave and master.
See Onesimus differently: No longer just as a runaway slave but as a transformed person, a fellow believer, and a valuable member of the Christian community.
Show radical grace and love: Paul is challenging Philemon to embody the Christian values of forgiveness, reconciliation, and treating others with the same love Christ showed them.
The verse highlights key Christian themes:
Forgiveness: Overcoming offenses and releasing bitterness.
Reconciliation: Restoring broken relationships and building bridges.
Equality in Christ: Recognizing that all believers are equal in God's eyes, regardless of social status.
Love and compassion: Showing Christ-like love and empathy towards others, even those who have wronged us.
Paul's appeal is powerful because it's not a command but a heartfelt request based on their mutual faith and friendship. He's appealing to Philemon's better nature and challenging him to live out his Christian beliefs in a very tangible way.