Philemon 7-20
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Plea for Onesimus. 7 For I have experienced much joy and encouragement[a] from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.(A) 8 Therefore, although I have the full right[b] in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man,[c] and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus.(B) 10 I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment,(C) 11 who was once useless to you but is now useful[d] to [both] you and me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve[e] me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel,(D) 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.(E) 15 Perhaps this is why he was away from[f] you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man[g] and in the Lord.(F) 17 So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. 18 [h]And if he has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self.(G) 20 Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
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- 7 Encouragement: the Greek word paraklēsis is cognate with the verb translated “urge” in Phlm 9, 10, and serves as an introduction to Paul’s plea. Hearts: literally, “bowels,” expressing in Semitic fashion the seat of the emotions, one’s “inmost self.” The same Greek word is used in Phlm 12 and again in Phlm 20, where it forms a literary inclusion marking off the body of the letter.
- 8 Full right: often translated “boldness,” the Greek word parrēsia connotes the full franchise of speech, as the right of a citizen to speak before the body politic, claimed by the Athenians as their privilege (Euripides).
- 9 Old man: some editors conjecture that Paul here used a similar Greek word meaning “ambassador” (cf. Eph 6:20). This conjecture heightens the contrast with “prisoner” but is totally without manuscript support.
- 11 Useless…useful: here Paul plays on the name Onesimus, which means “useful” or “beneficial.” The verb translated “profit” in Phlm 20 is cognate.
- 13 Serve: the Greek diakoneō could connote a ministry.
- 15 Was away from: literally, “was separated from,” but the same verb means simply “left” in Acts 18:1. It is a euphemism for his running away.
- 16 As a man: literally, “in the flesh.” With this and the following phrase, Paul describes the natural and spiritual orders.
- 18–19 Charge it to me…I will pay: technical legal and commercial terms in account keeping and acknowledgment of indebtedness.
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.