Philemon 1:1-2
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul opens by identifying himself not as an apostle, but as a "prisoner for Christ Jesus." This humble self-description subtly sets the stage, emphasizing his personal appeal rather than an official command, and inviting Philemon to approach the letter with empathy and grace. He also immediately includes Timothy as "our brother," a warm gesture that elevates Timothy’s status and highlights their shared bond in Christ.
This opening is a personal letter from Paul, who identifies himself as a prisoner for Christ, to a fellow believer named Philemon. Paul includes Timothy, referring to him as "our brother," and addresses Philemon as a "beloved fellow worker," hinting at a deep relationship and shared ministry. The context is set for Paul to make a personal appeal, not as an apostle wielding authority, but as a friend and fellow servant, likely concerning a sensitive matter involving a runaway slave.
Why would Paul, an apostle, introduce himself as a 'prisoner' in this personal letter? It’s not just a label; it’s a powerful strategy.
A Prisoner by Choice, Not Shame
Paul doesn't introduce himself as 'Apostle Paul' here, as he often does. Instead, he states he is 'a prisoner for Christ Jesus.' This isn't accidental.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Philemon 1:1-2 is available in the Sola app.
Timothy is mentioned right alongside Paul. What does this inclusion signal about their relationship and the nature of this letter?
The 'Brother' Factor
Paul often includes others in his greetings, but the mention of 'Timothy our brother' here carries specific weight in the context of this intimate letter.
Paul calls Philemon 'beloved' and a 'fellow-worker.' What does this tell us about Philemon's standing and Paul's perspective on him?
Dignity and Partnership
These two descriptions – 'beloved' and 'fellow-worker' – paint a rich picture of Philemon and his vital role.
Understand the original words
desmios · Greek Noun
A person who is restricted in freedom, often used by Paul to describe his service to Christ, highlighting his suffering and submission to the Lord's will for the sake of the Gospel.
Christos · Greek Noun
The anointed one of God, the promised Messiah who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, and the mediator between God and humanity.
adelphos · Greek Noun
A person belonging to the same spiritual family through faith in Jesus Christ; denotes equality, unity, and shared identity within the body of Christ.
synergos · Greek Noun
Someone who labors alongside others in the work of the Gospel, emphasizing the collaborative nature of Christian ministry and service.
systratiōtēs · Greek Noun
A partner in the spiritual warfare of the Christian life; it signifies shared hardship, endurance, and dedication to the cause of the Gospel.
ekklēsia · Greek Noun
The collective body of believers; often refers to a local congregation or house church, emphasizing that the church is a people, not a building.
This letter, penned by Paul as a prisoner in Rome, arises from a specific situation involving a runaway slave named Onesimus who encountered Paul and was converted. Paul writes to Onesimus's master, Philemon, appealing for forgiveness and brotherhood in Christ.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul Imprisoned in Rome
Paul writes this letter while under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. This period of confinement, though restrictive, allowed him opportunities to minister and write.
c. AD 53-55
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
It's likely that Paul led Philemon to faith in Christ during his extended ministry in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia.
c. AD 53-55
Colossian Church Established
The church in Colossae, where Philemon, Archippus, and possibly Onesimus lived, was likely founded during Paul's Ephesian ministry, possibly by Epaphras.
c. AD 60-62
Onesimus Flees to Rome
Onesimus, Philemon's slave, steals from his master and flees to Rome, where he encounters Paul.
c. AD 61
Onesimus Converted
In Rome, Onesimus meets Paul, hears the gospel, and becomes a Christian, transforming his life and perspective.
This passage describes Paul and Barnabas being mistaken for gods, which connects to the reference in the commentary to the legend of Philemon and Baucis, highlighting the cultural context and potential associations of the name Philemon.
Ephesians 3:1Here, Paul also identifies himself as a prisoner for Christ Jesus, emphasizing how his suffering for the gospel informs his appeal, much like in Philemon.
Philippians 1:1Paul also includes Timothy in the greeting of this epistle, showing a consistent pattern of associating Timothy with him in his letters to churches and individuals.
Colossians 4:9This verse mentions Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, as being from Colossae, which helps establish the likely location and context of the letter written to Philemon.
2 Timothy 1:8Paul encourages Timothy to 'join with me in suffering for the gospel,' mirroring his own self-description as a prisoner for Christ and linking suffering with the proclamation of the gospel.
poolePhilemon 1:1: "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,"
Philemon Chapter 1 Phm 1:1-3 The salutation. Phm 1:4-7 Paul declareth his joy in hearing of the love and faith of Philemon, Phm 1:8-21 earnestly entreating him to receive into his favour his once fugitive servant Onesimus, now become a faithful Christian. Phm 1:22 He desireth him to provide a lodging for himself, who was in expectation of a speedy release, Phm 1:23-25…
cambridgePhilemon 1:1: "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,"
1–3 . Greeting 1 . Paul ] See on Colossians 1:1 . a prisoner ] To the Colossians he had said “ an Apostle .” Here he speaks more personally. Cp. for the phrase, or its like, Ephesians 3:1 ; Ephesians 4:1 ; 2 Timothy 1:8 ; below, Philemon 1:9 . of Jesus Christ ] If he suffers, it is all in relation to his Master, his Possessor. See our note on Ephesians 3:1 .—Outwardly…
Paul opens by identifying himself not as an apostle, but as a "prisoner for Christ Jesus." This humble self-description subtly sets the stage, emphasizing his personal appeal rather than an official command, and inviting Philemon to approach the letter with empathy and grace. He also immediately includes Timothy as "our brother," a warm gesture that elevates Timothy’s status and highlights their shared bond in Christ.
This opening is a personal letter from Paul, who identifies himself as a prisoner for Christ, to a fellow believer named Philemon. Paul includes Timothy, referring to him as "our brother," and addresses Philemon as a "beloved fellow worker," hinting at a deep relationship and shared ministry. The context is set for Paul to make a personal appeal, not as an apostle wielding authority, but as a friend and fellow servant, likely concerning a sensitive matter involving a runaway slave.
This opening is a personal letter from Paul, who identifies himself as a prisoner for Christ, to a fellow believer named Philemon. Paul includes Timothy, referring to him as "our brother," and addresses Philemon as a "beloved fellow worker," hinting at a deep relationship and shared ministry. The context is set for Paul to make a personal appeal, not as an apostle wielding authority, but as a friend and fellow servant, likely concerning a sensitive matter involving a runaway slave.
"Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house:" — Paul opens by identifying himself not as an apostle, but as a "prisoner for Christ Jesus." This humble self-description subtly sets the stage, emphasizing his personal appeal rather than an official…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
