Philemon 1:15-16
What is written? (ESV)
For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
What does it say?
Maybe this is why he [Onesimus, Philemon’s slave] was separated from you [Philemon] for a time, that you might be reunited not as master-slave, but as beloved brothers – as he is to me [Paul], and even more to you, both physically and spiritually.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to Philemon. This entire letter (one chapter) is about Paul’s encouragement to Philemon to restore his relationship with his runaway slave, Onesimus. Apparantly, he had wronged Philemon in some way (vss 18-19). Remarkably, while away, Onesimus encounters Paul (vs 10) and is converted. The relationship between master and slave has now also become one of Christian brother to brother (vs 16).
How Philemon 1:15-16 is applied across Bible answers
Does the Bible condone slavery?
Paul encouraged Philemon, a master of a slave who wronged him and fled, to take him back as a brother in Christ, given his conversion. NOTE: Paul's encouragement is to take him back, still as a slave, but forgiving him and accepting him as a brother in Christ (just as he is to Paul).
