Paul's Prison Epistles: Paul and PhilemonSample

Petition: Philemon 17-20

After introducing all the characters involved in the mediation, Paul finally stated his petition in verses 17-20. Specifically, he asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and he offered himself as Onesimus’ substitute in the event that Philemon chose to exact payment or recompense from his slave.

Paul’s twofold petition is summarized in Philemon 17-18:

Welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me (Philemon 17-18).

Notice what Paul did here — he appealed to Philemon for a personal favor, as if Paul himself were the one who needed Philemon’s grace. He did not argue that Onesimus deserved to be restored to Philemon. On the contrary, he implied that Onesimus deserved punishment. And he did not ask Philemon to show Christ-like mercy to Onesimus.

Figuratively speaking, Paul did not stand beside Onesimus as his defense attorney persuading Philemon to be merciful for Onesimus’ sake. Instead, he stood in front of Onesimus as his father and protector, shielding him from Philemon, and providing reasons that Philemon should be merciful for Paul’s sake. 

Consider the way Paul concluded his petition in Philemon 20:

I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ (Philemon 20).

Paul hoped that Philemon would so respect Paul that he would extend mercy to Paul’s spiritual son Onesimus. And so, in his petition, Paul asked Philemon to minister to the apostle by showing kindness to his son, whom he loved with all his heart. 

And notice Paul’s language here. First, Paul asked Philemon to “benefit” him, using the Greek verb “oninémi” (ὀνίνημι) upon which Onesimus’ name was built. Essentially, he asked Philemon to follow the example of his slave Onesimus in being useful to Paul. Second, Paul repeated his use of the word “refresh.” In Philemon 7, Paul had commended Philemon for refreshing the saints. Here he encouraged Philemon to demonstrate integrity by refreshing the imprisoned apostle as well.

Scholars have raised many questions about the details of Paul’s petition. Some believe that Paul was merely asking Philemon to treat Onesimus with mercy and kindness, and not to seek retribution or even restitution for the wrong Onesimus had committed. Others believe that Paul was asking Philemon for even more, perhaps for Onesimus’ manumission, that is, his freedom.

This may be implied by Paul’s words in Philemon 15-16, where Paul wrote in this way:

You might have him back for good — no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother (Philemon 15-16).

It is possible to read this verse as meaning that Paul wanted Philemon to free Onesimus so that Onesimus would no longer be a slave. This idea is strengthened when we notice that the Greek word “aiōnion” (αἰώνιον), here translated “for good,” is rightly translated in several English translations as “forever” or “eternally.” Even though Roman slavery was often perpetual, it was technically a temporary arrangement, so Paul could not rightly have assured Philemon that Onesimus would remain his profitable slave forever. But our relationships in Christ really will endure eternally. This makes it tempting to see an allusion in this verse to Philemon manumitting, or granting freedom to, Onesimus.