Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of Philemon
Philemon is Paul's shortest and most personal letter, a warm appeal asking a Christian master to receive back his runaway slave, now a beloved brother in Christ. In Paul's offer to pay the debt himself, it becomes a beautiful picture of the gospel. This commentary walks through the whole book verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Epistle to Philemon is the apostle Paul's shortest and most personal letter, a single chapter of twenty-five verses written from prison, likely around AD 60. Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon (a believer in Colossae), had run away and made his way to Rome, where he met Paul and was converted. Paul now sends him back to his master with this letter, appealing not for punishment but for grace, that Philemon would receive Onesimus as a beloved brother.
This commentary walks through the whole book verse by verse, with the Greek words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. Philemon shows the gospel transforming a runaway into a useful brother and dissolving the deepest social divisions. Above all, Paul's plea, 'receive him as you would me... put his debt on my account,' is a moving picture of Christ, who took our debt upon Himself and gives us His own welcome before God. References are given at the foot of the chapter.
Because Philemon is a single chapter, this commentary covers the entire book.
Author
The apostle Paul, writing from prison.
Setting
A personal appeal to Philemon of Colossae, around AD 60.
Length
A single chapter of 25 verses; Paul's shortest letter.
Theme
Reconciliation and the gospel pictured in intercession.
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
Philemon Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
Philemon 1-25
Receive Him as You Would Me
Paul appeals for the runaway slave Onesimus, now a beloved brother in Christ, offering to pay his debt himself, a beautiful picture of Christ who bore our debt and gives us His own welcome before God.
Read Chapter 1 →