a) Paul,

a prisoner of Jesus Christ, author, in prison. Therefore, the book is part of the prison
books Paul wrote. Dat be in Rome.
b) and Timothy our brother, coauthor with Paul, might have been the one writing the
1 letter as Paul speaks.
c) unto Philemon, dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, dearly beloved of Paul, cueing that
Pauls love to him may have come from successfully leading Philemon to conversion. His title as
fellow laborer includes his role as a church holder.
a) and our beloved Apphia, possibly, Philemons wife.
b) and Archippus our fellow soldier, entitled fellow soldier, which induces active work in
2
the church. Hes also, possibly, Philemons son.
c) and to the church in thy house: assurance of a church ran in Philemons house.

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. completion of
3 greetings and introduction. Paul wishes that grace and peace be upon Philemon, which, if attached
to the following verse, complements Pauls first prayer in the letter.

a) I thank my God, as in a cheerful prayer, where he is grateful and proud of the events
mentioned on the next verse.
4
b) making mention of thee always in my prayers, Pauls references of Philemon in his prayers
are constant, reminding himself how thankful he is.

a) hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, being imprisoned,
the only way Paul has to testify of Philemons behavior is through hearing of his testimony,
5
what was achievable by both word of mouth and letters.
b) and towards all saints; faithful towards fellow Christians, as heard by Paul.
a) that the communication of thy faith may become effectual effective transmission of
Gods word. Philemons influential behaviors are to be followed, since he is made good in Christ.
6 b) by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus Paul reassures
that what is good in Philemon is not from him, but from the Lord. Philemon is presented as a
representante of Gods good work in our lives.
a) For we have great joy again mentioning the recipients testimony, the author expresses
how joyful Philemons acts have made them while praying in the letter.
b) and consolation in thy love, not only they feel content with what theyve heard, but also
7 comforted by knowing that Gods work is being given continuation by Philemon, who was likely
taught by Paul.
c) because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother Philemons support
reaches to the inmost part of the saints, who are renewed by the power of God.
a) Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ this passage shows Paul being
extremely confident about the authority God has given him.
8 b) to enjoin thee that which is convenient, certain that Philemon has no doubt about his
authority and influence, Paul states that it is expected of Philemon to obey his commands, since
what is good in Philemon was brought out from God, who was introduced to him by the apostle.
a) yet for loves sake I rather beseech thee, although his able to demand, he chooses not
9 to abuse of his authority. In fact, Paul attempts to show him kindness by relying on the fact that
their relationship is based on love.
 b) being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ now Paul
recognizes the position he is at. The situation brings along characteristics which, in the eyes of
another person, may be enough to nullify his powers.

a) I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, the main purpose of the letter is finally revealed.
10 b) whom I have begotten in my bonds: called his son because it was him who led Onesimus
to conversion in prison.

a) which in time past was to thee unprofitable, he is aware of the damage Onesimus has
caused to Philemon.
11
b) but now profitable to thee and to me: despite his past mistakes, Onesimus now shows
himself useful in spiritual purposes.

whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: Paul
12 assumes itll be hard for Philemon to receive Onesimus back in his house. One who once was an
unfaithful slave had to be received, more than accepted.

whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in
13 the bonds of the gospel: Onesimuss usefulness is proved by Paul when he expresses his
desire of keeping him with himself in the prison.

a) but without thy mind would I do nothing; Paul chooses not to make decisions by
himself.
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b) that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly hed be glad if his
request was taken into consideration. It wasnt Pauls desire that all would be an obligation.

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
15
Paul believes in the reconciliation between Onesimus and Philemon.

not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much
16 more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord Pauls expectation is that Philemon will
not treat Onesimus as a slave, like in the past, but as a brother in Christ, loved by God and Paul.

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself If his arguments in favor of
17 Onesimus are not enough, Paul appeals to his own relationship with Philemon. If Philemon
considers Paul as a true friend, hed do it to maintain their friendship.

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; more than
18 willing to take the blame of Onesimuss wrong doings, Paul would even pay whatsoever
financial debt Onesimus may have.
 a) I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: Paul assures Philemon that he
is the one writing and asking for the favor. Anyway, Timothy might be the one transcribing it.
19 b) albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides He also
reminds Philemon that he owns his very soul to Paul, for he was the one preaching the gospel
which lead him to salvation.
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord He
encourages Philemon to bring joy and refreshment to Paul by attending his request. Paul relates
20
the way he wants to be feeling to the way Philemon made the saints feel. Da word here is
willingness.

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more
21
than I say Paul is certain of Philemons obedience and desire to do more than requested.

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given
22 unto you Pauls last petition is that Philemon prepares to host him also, having faith that he
will leave prison through his dearly beloved prayers.

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; the guy in prison, aware
23 of the existence of a letter to Philemon.

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers miscellaneous characters, already

24
discussed.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. adis y vaya con Dios, I know
25 you be good.