Philemon 1 - Summary

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy address Philemon their beloved fellow worker, along with Apphia, Archippus (their fellow soldier), and the church meeting in Philemon's house, expressing thanksgiving for Philemon's love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints. Paul appeals on behalf of Onesimus (whose name means 'useful'), his child whom he begot in imprisonment, who was formerly useless to Philemon but is now useful to both, whom Paul is sending back (though he would have preferred to keep him) asking Philemon to receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother, and to charge any wrong or debt to Paul's account, confident that Philemon will do even more than requested.