Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Philemon to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
The Epistle to Philemon is a brief, personal letter that illuminates the practical implications of the Gospel in interpersonal relationships. Addressed to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church, the letter centers on the case of Onesimus, a runaway slave who becomes a Christian under Paul’s mentorship. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. We see this as demonstrating the truly transformative power of the Gospel.
A central theme in Philemon is the concept of reconciliation through the Gospel. Paul does this by appealing to Philemon’s faith. He writes in Philemon 1:10: “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds.” Paul stresses that Onesimus, once “unprofitable,” has now become “profitable” to both him and Philemon. See Philemon 1:11: “Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:” These Scriptures illustrate the change that occurs when a person comes to faith in Christ, moving from a state of alienation to one of service and fellowship in His body.
In this guide to the Gospel in Philemon, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how Philemon presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and the necessity of guarding this faith against corruption.
The Gospel in Philemon
The Gospel in Philemon Showcased in Scripture
- Philemon 1:4-6: “I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
See this expression Paul’s gratitude for Philemon, mentioning that he always thanks God when he remembers him in his prayers. Paul commends Philemon for his faith and love towards the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and he prays that the sharing of Philemon’s faith may become effective in deepening the understanding of every good thing they share for the sake of Christ.
- Philemon 1:10-11: “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.”
Verses 10 and 11 address Paul’s appeal on behalf of Onesimus, whom he refers to as his son, indicating a close, personal relationship established during Paul’s imprisonment.
- Philemon 1:15-16: “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?”
15 through 16 suggests that Onesimus may have been separated from Philemon for a short time so that he could return to him forever, not just as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord.
- Philemon 1:17-18: “If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.”
Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul himself. Paul offers to take on any debt or wrong Onesimus may have caused, asking Philemon to charge it to Paul’s account.
- Philemon 1:20: “Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.”
Paul asks Philemon to refresh his heart in Christ, likely referring to a favorable response to his appeal on behalf of Onesimus.
While the letter does not explicitly outline the Gospel, it demonstrates its power in action through the changed relationship between Philemon and Onesimus. This can be seen as an allegorical example of the grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s willingness to assume any debt on Onesimus’s behalf reflects the Gospel message of substitutionary atonement. This mirrors Christ’s work on the cross, where He took upon Himself the sins of humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God by grace through faith in Him.
As we explore these key aspects, it becomes evident that Philemon offers a rich presentation of the Gospel’s impact on relationships. The epistle emphasizes the transformative power of grace, the new identity believers have in Christ, and the call to embody the Gospel’s message of reconciliation in our interactions with others.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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