What does Philemon 1:20 mean?

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Philemon 1:20

Explanation

The verse Philemon 1:20 from the King James Version reads: “Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.” In this context, the Apostle Paul is speaking to Philemon, a fellow Christian and a slave owner, about Onesimus, a slave who had run away, met Paul and converted to Christianity. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter. The phrase “refresh my bowels” is an idiomatic expression in which “bowels” is a term that was used at the time to refer to deep emotions or affections — essentially, the seat of love and compassion. Paul is asking Philemon to do a favor that would warm Paul’s heart and give him joy, presumably referring to forgiving Onesimus and receiving him not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Historical Context

The Epistle to Philemon is a private letter sent by Paul during his imprisonment, which most scholars date between 55 and 65 A.D. The recipient, Philemon, was a wealthy Christian and a leader in the Colossian church. Onesimus, whose name means “useful,” was Philemon’s slave who, after escaping, encountered Paul and became a Christian. Paul’s letter to Philemon is unique in the New Testament because it focuses on the personal appeal for the reconciliation and reinstatement of a runaway slave.

Theological Insights

This verse provides a glimpse into early Christian thought on interpersonal relationships and forgiveness. From a theological standpoint, it underscores the transformation that occurs when individuals are ‘in the Lord,’ which transcends social status and creates a new family of believers. It also reflects Paul’s mediatory role and his appeal to the shared Christian identity to promote reconciliation.

Practical Applications

“Refresh my bowels in the Lord” can be understood today as a call to refresh or uplift one’s spirit through acts of kindness and forgiveness within the Christian community. It suggests that believers should act towards each other based on their unity in Christ. The practical application might involve forgiving those who have wronged us, supporting fellow believers in need, or treating all individuals with dignity and respect.

Cross-References

• Colossians 3:12-13: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.”
• 2 Corinthians 2:13: “I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.”
• 2 Corinthians 7:13: “Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as “bowels” is “σπλάγχνα” (splanchna), which referred to the upper abdominal organs, often associated with deep emotion. “Refresh” is from the Greek “ἀναπαύω” (anapauo), which means to give rest or to ease. Therefore, “refresh my bowels” metaphorically means to bring emotional relief or comfort.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The usage of “bowels” to refer to emotions parallels other ancient and religious cultures where internal organs were often associated with various feelings. For example, in Ancient Egypt, the heart was considered the seat of emotion and intelligence. In Jewish culture, mercy and compassion were also linked with the inward parts, aligning with phrases found in the Hebrew scriptures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, while emotions are now understood to be governed by the brain rather than bodily organs like the heart or bowels, the phrase Paul uses remains an example of early emotional psychology. It articulates a concept that emotions are deeply felt and can be influenced by the actions and relationships with others.

commentaries

Commentators on Philemon 1:20 often note the delicate and diplomatic way in which Paul handles the potentially explosive issue of a runaway slave. Matthew Henry’s commentary highlights how Paul softens his request with expressions of Christian brotherhood. The Expositor’s Bible commentary emphasizes the idea that Paul is not forcing Philemon’s hand but is appealing to his Christian virtues. John MacArthur notes the significant personal cost to Philemon but also the transformative power of the gospel that can change relationships and social structures. Each of these commentaries underscores the depth of the gospel’s impact on personal and communal levels.