Introduction
The Letter to Philemon was written by Paul from house arrest at Rome in A.D 60. Paul use this opportunity to give a practical example of what life of a Christian master and Christian slave is supposed to be (1Cor 7:21-24). He did not force any rule against slavery system, but rather persuade every one to abide by the Love of Jesus who identify with us in our unworthy state.
Philemon
Recognition and commendation of saints
1 Paul, a captive; and Timotheus (dear to God), a co-labourer in Christ Jesus; to Philemon (friendly), our beloved brother,
2 and sister Apphia (Collosae woman), and Archippus (horse-ruler) our co-campaigner/soldier; and the Church in your home:
3. Peace with our Father God and Grace of the Lord Jesus-Christ be unto you.
4. I am grateful to my God always by doing things, in remembrance of you upon my oratory prayer.
Full discernment of Christ is the key to fruitfulness in Faith
5. I heard of your Faith, towards the Lord Jesus, and your selfless-Love which you have unto all the Holy ones (Saints).
6. Your partnership however, in all good things among us, has become effective/energetic by your full-discernment of Faith unto Christ Jesus.
7. For we have much joy and encouragement, upon your selfless-love, because the inward bowel (splachna) of the holy ones (saints) have been refreshed through you, Brother.
The pleading for Onesimus; Paul identify with him as Christ identify with us
8 By reason of holding on to much boldness in Christ, it is proper to command you;
9. being Paul of that kind, but now as an aged man, who is even a prisoner, I will rather entreat you the more, through the selfless-Love of Christ Jesus
10 I am intreating you concerning my child, ONESIMUS (useful/profitable), whom I begot (while) in chain;
11. who was useless to you at a time, but now, well-useful, even to you and me.
12. This same person whom I have sent back to you, is of my innermost being (splachna/intestine).
13. whom I am willing to retain towards me for the gospel, at least to minister to me (while) in chain, instead of you.
14. However, without your cognition/consent, nothing I determine to do, will be at least good to you. as it will not be according to necessity, but according to voluntariness/willingness;
15. for, perhaps, by this reason, he has departed towards an hour, at least, for him to be fully-receive eternally; -
16 - however, no longer as a slave in the flesh, but a beloved brother, and how much more, a servant in the Lord to you, especially for my sake.
17. Therefore, if you hold on to things from me, take him to yourself as my companion.
18. However, if he has wronged, or owe you something, reckon (impute) that to me.
19. I, Paul writes with my own hand; to pay in full; at least, not to say, that I am additionally indebted to you on my own.
20 Yes, brother; you have been useful (oninemi) to me in the Lord, even by refreshing my innermost being (bowel) in Christ.
Conclusion
21. I write to you, being persuaded of your submission, and I am aware that you will do things even for the sake of what I have said.
22. Moreso, prepare hospitality for us; for we hope that through your oratory prayer, we will be freed for you by favour, at the same time.
Greetings
23. Epaphras, my co-prisoner salute you in Christ Jesus,
24. and my cog labourers, Mark (Marcus), Aristarchus {(best ruling) a Marcedonian}, Demas, Luke (Lucas).
25. The SPIRIT of Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, be with you. (Amen/so be it).
[written from Rome towards Philemon because of Onesimus, an intimate fellow resident]
