Philemon 1:17
Philemon 1:17 in Multiple Translations
So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.
If then you take me to be your friend and brother, take him in as myself.
So if you consider me as a colleague working together with you for the Lord, welcome him as if you were welcoming me.
If therefore thou count our thinges common, receiue him as my selfe.
If, then, with me thou hast fellowship, receive him as me,
If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.
So, if you consider me to be your partner in God’s work, receive him as you would receive me.
Remember that I’m your friend, and we do things together. If you reckon I’m your friend, be happy to see Onesimus when he comes back to you, and be good to him, just like you are happy to see me, and you are good to me whenever I visit you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Philemon 1:17
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Philemon 1:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Philemon 1:17
Study Notes — Philemon 1:17
- Context
- Cross References
- Philemon 1:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
- Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:17
- Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
- Sermons on Philemon 1:17
Context — Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
17So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 8:23 | As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, to the glory of Christ. |
| 2 | Matthew 10:40 | He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. |
| 3 | Philemon 1:12 | I am sending back to you him who is my very heart. |
| 4 | James 2:5 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? |
| 5 | Matthew 25:40 | And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ |
| 6 | Matthew 12:48–50 | But Jesus replied, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?” Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” |
| 7 | Matthew 18:5 | And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. |
| 8 | Hebrews 3:1 | Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. |
| 9 | Acts 16:15 | And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. |
| 10 | Ephesians 3:6 | This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. |
Philemon 1:17 Summary
[This verse is about treating others with kindness and respect, just like we would treat a close friend or family member. If we consider someone a partner in our faith, we should receive them with open arms and a loving heart, just as we would receive a spiritual leader like Paul. This means showing them love, acceptance, and forgiveness, even if they have wronged us in some way (as seen in Matthew 6:14-15). By doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ and create a safe and supportive community for all believers.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to consider someone a partner in the context of Philemon 1:17?
To consider someone a partner means to regard them as a fellow believer and co-laborer in the gospel, as seen in Philippians 4:3, where Paul refers to his partners in the gospel ministry. This partnership is rooted in a shared faith and commitment to serving the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the concept of Christian hospitality?
This verse highlights the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to fellow believers, just as we would to the Lord Himself, as taught in Matthew 25:40. By receiving Onesimus as we would receive Paul, we demonstrate our love and respect for our spiritual leaders and the body of Christ.
What is the significance of Paul asking Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul?
Paul is asking Philemon to show the same love, acceptance, and forgiveness to Onesimus that he would show to Paul, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, as seen in Ephesians 4:32. This reflects the heart of Christ, who receives us as we are and calls us to do the same for others.
How does this verse apply to our relationships with others in the church?
This verse reminds us that, as believers, we are called to receive and welcome one another as we would receive Christ Himself, as taught in Romans 15:7. By doing so, we demonstrate our unity and love for one another, and create a safe and supportive community for all believers.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show hospitality and kindness to fellow believers in my life, just as Philemon is called to receive Onesimus?
- How can I cultivate a sense of partnership and shared mission with other believers, as Paul describes in this verse?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate more love, acceptance, and forgiveness towards others, just as Paul asks Philemon to do?
- How can I balance the need to address wrongdoing or hurt with the call to show kindness and compassion, as seen in this verse and the surrounding context?
Gill's Exposition on Philemon 1:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Philemon 1:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
Trapp's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
Cambridge Bible on Philemon 1:17
Barnes' Notes on Philemon 1:17
Whedon's Commentary on Philemon 1:17
Sermons on Philemon 1:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Justification - Part 1 by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God justifying the ungodly. He emphasizes that sin is defiling and exceedingly sinful, using examples like Augustine's convers |
|
Philemon I. 17-19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, using the letter of Paul to Philemon as a powerful example. He emphasizes the need to extend grace and |
|
The Release of the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that true spiritual enlargement often comes through straitening, highlighting that human efforts can lead to artificial growth devoid of spiritual reali |
|
The Gift of Hunger by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being in the presence of God. He acknowledges the value of building friendships and connections with others, but states tha |
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Conference for Missionaries-1988- Discipleship - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of fervent love for one another as a way to overcome interpersonal conflicts. He references 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 8, which st |
|
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 18 by John Wesley | John Wesley expounds on Matthew 18, emphasizing the necessity of humility and childlike faith to enter the kingdom of heaven. He warns against causing offenses and stresses the imp |
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Be My Guest by John Bjorlie | John Bjorlie preaches on the importance of hospitality as a crucial element in building Christian community, promoting close, brotherly love, and combating superficial relationship |







