What does Philemon 1:17 mean?

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. Philemon 1:17

Explanation

Philemon 1:17 is integral to the short New Testament letter of Philemon, where the Apostle Paul is addressing his Christian brother, Philemon. In this verse, Paul makes a powerful request. He is asking Philemon to accept Onesimus, a runaway slave, back into his household not merely as a slave but as a brother in Christ. As Paul puts it, Philemon should receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul himself, highlighting the spiritual equality and unity within the Christian faith. The verse underscores themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the radical social implications of Christian brotherhood that transcends social and economic statuses.

Historical Context

The letter to Philemon is dated to around 60 A.D. and was written while Paul was under house arrest, possibly in Rome. Onesimus had run away from Philemon, who was a wealthy believer in Colossae, and found Paul. Under Roman law, harboring a runaway slave was considered a crime, and the slave could be severely punished. However, Onesimus became a Christian through Paul’s ministry, and Paul sought to reconcile him with Philemon, but in a way that reflected the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul’s letter suggests a radical departure from the social norms of slavery and hierarchy prevalent in the Roman Empire.

Theological Insights

This verse has been the subject of various theological viewpoints. Some theologians emphasize the transformative nature of Christian salvation that breaks down social barriers. Others point to the ethical appeal for forgiveness that Paul makes to Phile. Moreover, Paul’s request might be seen as a subtle challenge to the institution of slavery itself, in that he is calling for Onesimus to be treated as an equal member of the Christian community.

Practical Applications

The verse offers a practical application in terms of dealing with social relationships and conflicts. It advises believers to treat each other as equal partners in faith, irrespective of their social standing. It also calls for the Christian community to be a place of reconciliation, urging individuals to forgive as they have been forgiven by Christ.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 6:9 – “And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”
• 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.”
• Colossians 3:11 – “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek is “ἐμὲ… πρόσλαβε” (me… proslabe), reflecting the words “receive” and “myself” in English. “Πρόσλαμβάνω” (proslambano) in this context suggests a welcome or receiving of someone with kind intent. The term underscores the appeal for an inclusive and embracing attitude towards Onesimus. “Ἐμέ” (eme) or “myself” implies Paul’s strong personal identification with Onesimus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul’s plea for Onesimus carries echoes of the concept of manumission found in other ancient cultures, where a slave could be granted freedom. However, Paul’s insistence on the equality of believers represents a distinct Christian idea that diverges from cultural norms of the time. In many ancient religions, a person’s social status was reflective of their religious standing, whereas in Christianity, social status is rendered irrelevant before the shared identity in Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community does not typically engage directly with theological assertions as in Philemon 1:17, since science focuses on empirical and testable claims. However, the social sciences, including psychology and sociology, do explore concepts like group dynamics and reconciliation that are relevant to the themes in this verse. The call for equal treatment and the psychological benefits of forgiveness can be studied empirically.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied insights on this verse. John Calvin emphasizes the sincerity of Paul’s affinity with Onesimus, suggesting that Paul makes himself a surety for him. Matthew Henry highlights the verse as an illustration of how Christians should act with tender affection towards one another. Contemporary scholars sometimes use this verse to discuss early Christian attitudes towards social institutions like slavery, with some arguing that Paul’s letters contain seeds of social change.