Philemon 1:1

King James Version (KJV)

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ - It has already been noted, in the preface, that Paul was a prisoner at Rome when he wrote this epistle, and those to the Colossians and Philippians. But some think that the term prisoner does not sufficiently point out the apostle's state, and that the original word δεσμιος should be translated bound with a chain: this is certainly its meaning; and it shows us in some measure his circumstances - one arm was bound with a chain to the arm of the soldier to whose custody he had been delivered.

It has also been remarked that Paul does not call himself an apostle here, because the letter was a letter of friendship, and on private concerns. But the MSS. are not entirely agreed on this subject. Two MSS. have δουλος, a servant; the Codex Claromontanus and the Codex Sangermanensis, both in the Greek and Latin, have αποστολος, apostle; and Cassiodorus has αποστολος δεσμιος, Paul, an imprisoned apostle of Jesus Christ. They, however, generally agree in the omission of the word αποστολος .

Unto Philemon our dearly beloved - There is a peculiarity in the use of proper names in this epistle which is not found in any other part of St. Paul's writings. The names to which we refer are Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and Onesimus.

Philemon, Φιλημων . Affectionate or beloved, from φιλημα, a kiss; this led the apostle to say: To Philemon our Dearly Beloved.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ - A prisoner at Rome in the cause of Jesus Christ; Ephesians 3:1 note; 2 Timothy 1:8 note.

And Timothy our brother - Timothy, it seems, had come to him agreeably to his request; 2 Timothy 4:9. Paul not unfrequently joins his name with his own in his epistles; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Philemon 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1. As Timothy was of that region of country, and as he had accompanied Paul in his travels, he was doubtless acquainted with Philemon.

Unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer - See Introduction, Section 1. The word rendered “fellow-laborer” συνεργω sunergōdoes not determine what office he held, if he held any, or in what respects he was a fellow-laborer with Paul. It means a co-worker, or helper, and doubtless here means that he was a helper or fellow-worker in the great cause to which Paul had devoted his life, but whether as a preacher, or deacon, or a private Christian, can not be ascertained. It is commonly, in the New Testament, applied to ministers of the gospel, though by no means exclusively, and in several instances it cannot be determined whether it denotes ministers of the gospel, or those who furthered the cause of religion, and cooperated with the apostle in some other way than preaching. See the following places, which are the only ones where it occurs in the New Testament; Romans 16:3, Romans 16:9, Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philemon 2:25; Philemon 4:3; Colossians 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1:24; 3 John 1:8.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

1. Paul. Paul generally begins his epistles with a reference to his divine credentials as an apostle. However, because this epistle was not intended primarily to be read in public but was sent specifically to an old friend, Paul’s apostolic authority did not need to be stressed.

Prisoner of Jesus Christ. Paul’s present status as a “prisoner” was in decided contrast with Philemon’s memory of Paul as the zealous evangelist, the indefatigable traveler, the untiring administrator. Philemon knew that Paul’s present disgrace and hardship were the result of faithful witnessing for the Christ they both served. Though Philemon is committed to the same bondage in Christ, he at least enjoys physical freedom. Paul here touches Philemon’s compassionate heart. How much personal pride is Philemon willing to sacrifice as a fellow “prisoner of Jesus Christ”? Paul writes to a beloved friend with bold, crisp strokes, in the virility of consecrated manhood.

Timothy. Philemon may have become acquainted with Timothy during the latter’s association with Paul at Ephesus (see Acts 19:22). Perhaps a close bond of friendship had developed between Philemon and Timothy; thus the mention of Timothy’s name here indicates his concern regarding the delicate relationship between Philemon and Onesimus, as well as his concurrence with Paul in all that is written.

Our brother. A reference to the great brotherhood of all Christians to which Paul, Timothy, Philemon, and now Onesimus belong. Paul here relies upon this fraternal spirit as he seeks a gentle reception for a fugitive slave. This spirit would ultimately destroy the institution of slavery itself.

Philemon. Nothing is known about Philemon except what is revealed in this epistle. Apparently he lived at Colossae, because Onesimus was a Colossian (see on Col. 4:9), as was Archippus (see Col. 4:17). A convert of Paul’s (see Philemon 19), Philemon was a person of considerable means and social (see v. 2). Consequently, his action regarding Onesimus would greatly influence his family, the group of Christians among whom he labored, and his pagan community.

Our dearly beloved. Philemon will find difficulty in ignoring counsel given in such sincerity and brotherly affection. Genuine affection is so rarely expressed, especially among men. Paul exemplifies the many tender traits as well as the sterner qualities that sincere Christian men will always exhibit.

Fellowlabourer. Perhaps Philemon had labored with Timothy and Paul in evangelizing Ephesus and the surrounding area (Acts 19:26). However, Paul may simply refer to the work of Philemon in developing the church at Colossae. Paul knows that Philemon’s leadership is dependable and worth commending.

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Cross References

a prisoner

Timothy