What does Philemon 1:9 mean?

Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:9

Explanation

Philemon 1:9 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, in which the Apostle Paul appeals to Philemon, a fellow Christian, not on the basis of authority or command, but out of love. In this verse, Paul identifies himself both as “Paul the aged,” emphasizing his seniority and possibly his physical frailty, and as a “prisoner of Jesus Christ,” indicating his current status as an inmate for the sake of the gospel. The verse conveys Paul’s humility and his use of personal influence rather than directive authority to persuade Philemon to undertake an action, which, as the context reveals, is to accept his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother in Christ.

Historical Context

The letter to Philemon is a private epistle written by Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian and church leader who hosted a church in his home in Colossae. This verse is part of a larger plea concerning Onesimus, an escaped slave who became a Christian under Paul’s guidance and was returning to Philemon. At the time, slavery was an accepted institution in the Roman Empire, and escaped slaves could be severely punished. The letter was likely written around 60 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome. The personal and affectionate tone of the letter indicates the close relationship between Paul and Philemon.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might focus on several aspects of this verse:

1. Evangelical scholars often highlight the relational aspect of Christianity, noting that Paul emphasizes love over law, and the importance of voluntary goodness.
2. Catholic tradition might emphasize the communal aspect of the faith, where personal relationships and mercy take precedence over societal norms and regulations.
3. Reformed thinkers often discuss the sovereignty of God in conversion, noting that Onesimus’s transformation and subsequent events were under God’s providence.

Practical Applications

The principles found in Philemon 1:9 can apply in various ways:

1. Interpersonal Relationships: Instead of demanding what we might have a right to demand, we should approach others with humility and love.
2. Positions of Authority: Those in leadership should lead by example, often choosing persuasion and influence over direct commands.
3. Conflict Resolution: When seeking reconciliation, it may be more effective to appeal to personal bonds and shared values than to assert one’s rights.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:1-2: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
• 2 Timothy 1:8: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”
• Colossians 4:18: “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek for this verse provide deep insights:

• “Aged” (Greek: πρεσβύτης, presbytēs): This word can refer to an elder both in terms of age or status within a community.
• “Beseech” (Greek: παρακαλῶ, parakalō): This word means to call upon, to encourage, to exhort, or to entreat; it is gentler than a command.
• “Prisoner” (Greek: δέσμιος, desmios): Literally means one who is bound or in chains, used metaphorically by Paul as being bound to Christ and the gospel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, letters of recommendation or mediation, such as Paul’s letter to Philemon, were common. However, the appeal based on Christian love and brotherhood was novel in a society structured around status and power. Regarding religious comparisons, both Judaism and the broader Hellenistic religions held concepts of moral persuasion, but the Christian idea of a leader as a “prisoner” for spiritual reasons was distinctive.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology might shed light on Paul’s approach as an effective means of persuasion and social influence. His appeal to shared values and personal relationship, instead of coercion, aligns with principles of transformative leadership and conflict resolution taught in contemporary leadership training.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators provide insights into this verse:

1. John Calvin notes the delicacy with which Paul handles Philemon, recognizing his authority to command, yet choosing a softer approach.
2. Matthew Henry points out that Paul does not pull rank but instead competes in kindness, showcasing Christian humility.
3. The ESV Study Bible suggests Paul’s self-identification as aged adds weight to his plea, indicating that he has no self-interest but is concerned for what is right before God.