Philemon 1:8-20

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Philemon 1:8-20

8So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,
9I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.
10I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.
11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12I am sending back to you him who is my very heart.
13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.
15For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for good —
16no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.
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.
20Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
— Philemon 1:8-20

Related Resources from Heartlight

Refresh
Article by Patrick D. Odum

If the gospel we believe doesn't cause us to liberate people from the chains of our prejudices and selfishness, then perhaps we don’t understand it. Patrick Odom uses the short letter of Paul to Philemon to remind us what is important in Christ.

God's Providence? Perhaps!
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Is this any less amazing than Paul’s unlikely meeting with Onesimus? Steve Higginbotham connects us with God's amazing work at getting people together and helping them live as brothers in Christ both in Bible times and today!

Useful
Article by Patrick D. Odum

Do you sometimes feel useless? No matter what others say or do to make you feel useless, Jesus loves you and has demonstrated again and again that you are useful to him!

Cross References for Philemon 1:8-20

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