What does Philemon 1:12 mean?

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Philemon 1:12

Explanation

Philemon 1:12 is a verse in the New Testament of the Christian Bible consisting of a personal plea from the Apostle Paul to his friend Philemon. Here, Paul is sending back a person named Onesimus, who was likely an enslaved person or bondservant who had wronged Philemon, possibly by running away or stealing. Paul’s use of the phrase “mine own bowels” is a deeply affectionate and emotive term, indicating a very close and dear relationship Paul had with Onesimus. It is as if Paul is saying that sending Onesimus back to Philemon is like sending a piece of his own heart. Paul is not only asking for Philemon to receive Onesimus but to do so with the affection and care that Paul himself would show, as if Onesimus were a part of Paul. There is also a subtle hint at the mutual love and respect expected among Christian brethren.

Historical Context

This letter to Philemon was written by Paul during one of his imprisonments, likely in Rome around AD 60. Onesimus had come into contact with Paul, and during this time, he had become a Christian. Philemon was a wealthy Christian who lived in Colossae and was likely the owner of Onesimus. In the Roman Empire, the law allowed for harsh treatment of enslaved people who ran away. Paul’s plea is tender and personal, aiming to resolve the situation peacefully and in a way that exemplified Christian love and forgiveness.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Philemon 1:12 expresses several important Christian concepts:

• Redemption and Reconciliation: Onesimus, once a wrongdoer, is now ‘redeemed’ or ‘made right’ through Christian conversion and now is to be reconciled with Philemon.
• Christian Brotherhood: There is an implicit message of equality in the Christian community, transcending social statuses like that of a free man and an enslaved person.
• Intercession: The role of an interceder is highlighted as Paul steps into advocate on behalf of Onesimus.
• Transformation: The verse underlines the Christian belief in personal transformation through faith and association with fellow believers.

Practical Applications

From Philemon 1:12, modern readers can glean several applicable lessons:

• Forgiveness: Christians are encouraged to forgive those who have wronged them, just as they believe God forgives sin.
• Advocacy: The importance of advocating for those who may be unable to represent themselves fairly.
• Equality: It reinforces the idea that all individuals should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their social standing.

Cross-References

• Colossians 4:9: “With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.”
• Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 4:32: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Language Study

In Philemon 1:12, several key words in the original Greek are of interest:

• “Sent again” (ἀναπέμπω, anapempō): The term suggests a sending back or returning, with a possible undercurrent of reluctance on Paul’s part due to his fondness for Onesimus.
• “Receive” (προσδέχομαι, prosdechomai): This term invites a welcoming reception, not just an acknowledgment of Onesimus’s return.
• “Mine own bowels” (σπλάγχνα, splagchna): A deeply emotional term, it refers to inward affection, literally ‘entrails,’ and metaphorically a deep-seated emotional connection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Greco-Roman society, enslaved people often had no personal rights and were considered property. What is distinct in Paul’s appeal is the application of Christian brotherhood, which contrasts with the wider societal views on slavery.

Scientific Perspectives

While not directly related to science, Philemon 1:12 does touch upon the psychological concepts of empathy, altruism, and moral behavior, which have been studied extensively in the scientific community. Social psychologists might interpret Paul’s advocacy for Onesimus as an example of pro-social behavior influenced by religious and ethical beliefs.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying perspectives on this verse:

• John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, highlighted Paul’s soft approach and his avoidance of authoritarian demands, reflecting Christian love and gentleness.
• Martin Luther viewed the Epistle to Philemon as a demonstration of Christian love and the power of intercession.
• Contemporary scholars also discuss the social implications of the letter, noting the challenges it presents to the institution of slavery by framing Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than mere property.