Philemon 1:17–25 “What Love Has Done”

Philemon 1:17-25 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) – Hillsong Worship
• My Testimony – Elevation Worship
• Who Am I – Casting Crowns

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• What is Love? | 1 Corinthians 13 Object Lesson on Love for Kids
• Your Power Will Pull Us Through | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Power in the Blood | Jerusalem Marketplace VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Fruit of the Spirit | Preschool Worship Song – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle Paul appeals to Archippus and the entire church, asking them to “welcome him as you would welcome me” (v. 17). The word “partner” translates the Greek term koinōn, which refers to someone who shares one’s fate—a companion bound by shared life and mission.

Later interpreters have speculated that when Paul wrote, “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything” (v. 18), he meant that Onesimus had stolen from his master and fled. However, this assumption stems from a negative bias against slaves and is a mistranslation. The text itself gives no evidence for such a claim. Rather, Paul is acknowledging the possibility that Onesimus, as a servant, may have had some financial obligation or unresolved issue with his master, Archippus. If that were the case, Paul promises to repay it himself.

In those days, letters were usually dictated to a professional scribe. That is why Paul adds, “I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand” (v. 19). At this point, Paul likely took the pen himself and wrote this line as a kind of personal signature. He then reminds Archippus of the great debt he owes to Paul—spiritually and personally. Confident in Archippus’s generosity, Paul expresses his belief that he will do even more than he is asking (vv. 20–21). Paul also lets him know that he hopes to visit soon and asks him to prepare a guest room (v. 22).

Finally, Paul conveys greetings from those who are with him. Epaphras is mentioned as his fellow prisoner, just as Paul noted Epaphras’s faithful service in the letter to the Colossians (1:7; 4:12). The other four co-workers, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, were likely free and able to come and go, helping Paul in various ways. Later, in 2 Timothy 4:10, we learn that Demas eventually deserted Paul, unable to endure persecution.

Meditation:

The fact that this short letter was included in the Bible suggests that Archippus responded to Paul’s request and sent Onesimus back as a free man. Had he not done so, this letter likely would not have been preserved. Archippus followed Paul’s appeal, and his faithful act must have become a well-known story among believers. He was not content merely to open his home as a meeting place for the church; he also willingly gave up Onesimus for the sake of Paul and the gospel—an especially generous act in a time when slaves were considered among one’s most valuable possessions.

Onesimus, who had already been transformed into a new person through the apostle’s ministry, must have been deeply moved by this event. He would have felt profound gratitude toward Paul for writing such a heartfelt letter on his behalf, and immense appreciation toward Archippus for granting him his freedom. This grace likely became the very power that led Onesimus to devote himself more faithfully to the work of the gospel. According to church tradition, Onesimus later became the bishop of the church in Ephesus. The gospel not only transforms a person’s inner being but can also alter one’s social status. This is the subversive power of the gospel.

What touches us most deeply in this letter is Paul’s immense love and concern for people. He loved Onesimus dearly and cared for him tenderly. Without Paul’s personal influence, Onesimus might never have accepted the gospel. Even while asking Archippus to free Onesimus, Paul promises to repay any debt or wrong that Onesimus may owe. At the same time, he treats Archippus with the utmost respect and courtesy. Though he could have issued a command as an apostle, Paul instead humbly appeals to him as a fellow believer and partner in faith. It was this sincerity that opened Archippus’s heart.

Seen in this light, the Letter to Philemon (or to Archippus) is a beautiful story created by beautiful people. It may be compared to the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament—short in length but rich in emotion and grace. Faith has the power to create such beautiful stories. These stories of faith are beautiful because love gives freely and holds nothing back for itself.

Prayer:

Lord, You have shown us the true nature of God’s love through the cross, and through that love You have saved us. Teach us to love in the same way. Fill our lives with beautiful stories that can be written only by love. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s love doesn’t just change hearts—it changes lives and relationships. When Paul asked Archippus to forgive and free Onesimus, love broke the wall between master and servant. The gospel gives us the power to treat others not by the world’s standards, but by God’s love. True faith always creates beautiful stories of forgiveness, generosity, and transformation.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Paul asked his friend to forgive Onesimus. How do you think that made Onesimus feel?
  • When someone says sorry to you, what helps you forgive them?
  • Can you think of a time when you showed love to someone, even when it was hard?
    
• Youth
  • Why do you think Paul didn’t command Archippus but asked him gently instead? What does that teach us about love and respect?
  • Onesimus went from being a slave to being free—and even a church leader. How does God’s grace change a person’s story?
  • What does “the subversive power of the gospel” mean for your school life or friendships today?