So if you consider me a partner
Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their shared faith and partnership in the gospel. The term "partner" (Greek: koinōnos) implies a deep fellowship and mutual participation in the work of Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of community, where believers were seen as co-laborers in spreading the gospel. The concept of partnership is also seen in Philippians 1:5, where Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel.

receive him
Paul is referring to Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. The act of receiving Onesimus back is not just a physical acceptance but a spiritual and relational one, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation. This reflects the transformative power of the gospel, which breaks down social barriers and calls for a new way of relating to one another, as seen in Galatians 3:28.

as you would receive me
Paul equates Onesimus with himself, urging Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same respect and love he would show to Paul. This is a radical request in the context of Roman society, where slaves had little to no rights. It underscores the Christian principle of equality before God, as highlighted in Colossians 3:11. This phrase also typifies Christ's advocacy for believers, as Jesus intercedes on behalf of humanity, asking the Father to receive us as He would His own Son.

1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is imprisoned at the time of writing and is advocating for Onesimus.

2. Philemon
A Christian leader and the recipient of the letter. He is a wealthy man who hosts a church in his home.

3. Onesimus
A runaway slave who has become a Christian under Paul's mentorship. Paul is sending him back to Philemon with this letter.

4. Colossae
The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home.

5. The Church
The body of believers meeting in Philemon's house, who are also indirectly addressed in the letter.Partnership in the Gospel
Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their partnership in Christ. This teaches us the importance of viewing our relationships through the lens of our shared faith.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The letter exemplifies the Christian call to forgive and reconcile, even in difficult circumstances. We are encouraged to seek reconciliation in our own relationships.

Identity in Christ
Onesimus' transformation from a slave to a brother in Christ highlights the new identity believers have. We should view others through the lens of their identity in Christ.

Hospitality and Acceptance
Paul's request for Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul challenges us to practice radical hospitality and acceptance within the body of Christ.

Intercession and Advocacy
Paul acts as an advocate for Onesimus, modeling how we can intercede for others and support them in their spiritual journey.(17) A partner.--The title is peculiar. In the singular number (in which it is naturally more distinctive) and in absolute use, unconnected with explanatory words (such as we read in 1Peter 5:1), it is nowhere else found, except in 2Corinthians 8:23, where Titus is called St. Paul's "partner and fellow helper;" and even there the context defines the partnership as relating to the collection and ministration of alms. Here it can hardly refer to general Christian fellowship, which would require some such words as "in Christ," or "in the Spirit," and would not fully justify the strong personal appeal of the passage. It must indicate some peculiar bond of fellowship between St. Paul and Philemon. Philemon was his convert (see Philemon 1:19); yet we notice that he writes to him not as a son, but as a brother. Evidently he was a leader in the Church at Colossae. Tradition, as usual, makes him its bishop. He must have been St. Paul's partner in some common work or special communion of familiarity. (See Introduction, sect. 2.)

Verse 17. - If thou count me therefore a partner; if thou holdest me for a friend - by our friendship entreat this. The strongest form of entreaty possible to be used. Κοινωνία in Acts 2:42 refers to the Holy Communion, and in 1 Corinthians 10:16-21 partakers of it are plainly called by implication κοινωνοὶ ( παρτακερσ, or, as we should say, "communicants." But here the sense is apparently as above; literally, a partner.

Parallel Commentaries ...


So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

if
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

you consider
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

me
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

a partner,
κοινωνόν (koinōnon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2844: A sharer, partner, companion. From koinos; a sharer, i.e. Associate.

receive
προσλαβοῦ (proslabou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4355: (a) I take to myself, (b) I take aside, (c) I welcome. From pros and lambano; to take to oneself, i.e. Use, lead, admit.

him
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

as [you would receive]
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

me.
ἐμέ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Letters: Philemon 1:17 If then you count me a partner (Phm Phl)