Paul's Appeal for Onesimus' Acceptance and Reconciliation
Philemon 1:8-25
Phlm.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- πολλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- παρρησιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εχων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- επιτασσειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ανηκον: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Philemon 1:9 (structural): Immediate continuation of the thought — Paul says that although he could command, he instead makes an appeal 'on the basis of love' (contrast between command and appeal).
- 1 Corinthians 4:21 (thematic): Paul poses a similar contrast between authoritative discipline and a gentler approach: 'Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?' (choice between commanding and appealing).
- 2 Corinthians 3:12 (verbal): Uses the same key term parrēsia (boldness): 'Since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech,' echoing Philemon's claim of boldness 'in Christ.'
- Ephesians 3:12 (verbal): Speaks of confidence/ boldness 'in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him,' paralleling the formulation 'in Christ' + boldness in Philemon 1:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- Accordingly, though I have boldness in Christ to command what is fitting,
- Therefore, though I have boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right,
Phlm.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αγαπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μαλλον: ADV
- παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τοιουτος: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- πρεσβυτης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- νυνι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- δεσμιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Philemon 1:1 (structural): Same letter/self‑identification context—Paul identifies himself as 'Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus' earlier in the salutation, framing the appeal that follows.
- Ephesians 3:1 (verbal): Uses the identical phrase 'I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus' (δεσμὶς Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ), linking Pauline imprisonment for the sake of the gospel as a motif.
- Ephesians 4:1 (verbal): Paul again combines his status as a prisoner with an exhortation ('I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you...'), echoing δεσμιος + παρακαλω rhetoric.
- Romans 15:30 (verbal): Paul employs the same verb of entreaty (παρακαλῶ) in making a plea grounded in relation to Christ—parallel rhetorical strategy of urgent appeal.
- 2 Corinthians 8:8 (thematic): An appeal motivated by love/charity—Paul frames persuasive requests in terms of love’s authenticity, comparable to 'I appeal to you on the basis of love' in Philemon.
Alternative generated candidates
- yet for love's sake I rather appeal—being such as Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus—
- yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—
Phlm.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- περι: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τεκνου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εγεννησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δεσμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- Ονησιμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 4:9 (verbal): Same person named (Onesimus); Paul identifies him as a fellow servant and connects him with Paul's ministry while imprisoned.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 (thematic): Paul's language of spiritual parenthood ('I became your father in Christ Jesus') parallels 'whom I begot'—the idea of Paul as a spiritual father to converts.
- Ephesians 3:1 (thematic): Paul describes himself as a prisoner ('a prisoner of Christ Jesus'), paralleling the context 'in my bonds' in which Onesimus was 'begotten'.
- Romans 12:1 (verbal): Uses the same appeal formula ('I appeal to you' / παρακαλῶ), linking Philemon’s opening petition to Paul's characteristic rhetorical mode.
- Philippians 1:12-14 (thematic): Paul explains how his imprisonment has advanced the gospel and emboldened others—provides background for how persons (like Onesimus) could come to faith 'in my chains.'
Alternative generated candidates
- I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my chains,
- I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I begot in my chains,
Phlm.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ποτε: ADV
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- αχρηστον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- νυνι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ευχρηστον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 2:21 (verbal): Uses the same idea/terminology of being made useful to the Lord (a vessel 'unto honour, fitted for every good work'), paralleling Philemon’s language of a formerly useless person now being useful.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 (thematic): Paul commends Mark as 'profitable to me for the ministry,' echoing the theme of a worker becoming useful to Paul and the mission, similar to Onesimus being useful 'to you and to me.'
- Philemon 1:15-16 (structural): Immediate literary parallel within the same letter: Paul explains Onesimus’s changed status—sent back not as a slave but 'more than a slave, a brother'—reinforcing the transformation from uselessness to usefulness and full relational restoration.
- Ephesians 4:28 (thematic): Speaks of the transformed person who formerly stole now working honestly so he 'may have something to share with anyone in need,' illustrating the broader Christian motif of conversion producing useful, beneficent conduct rather than harm.
Alternative generated candidates
- who once was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.
- who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.
Phlm.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- ανεπεμψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- τουτ᾽εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εμα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- σπλαγχνα·: NOUN,nom,pl,n
Parallels
- Colossians 4:9 (verbal): Names Onesimus and calls him a faithful and beloved brother, directly corroborating Paul’s reference to Onesimus and confirming the personal bond behind “my very heart.”
- Philemon 1:13 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains he would have kept Onesimus to serve him in his chains, which explains the depth of attachment expressed in verse 12 (‘my very heart’).
- Philemon 1:16 (thematic): Speaks of Onesimus’ changed status—no longer a slave but a beloved brother—illuminating the reconciliatory and affectionate relationship Paul summarizes as ‘my very heart.’
- Colossians 3:12 (verbal): Uses the related term σπλάγχνα (compassion/inner affection) in Pauline vocabulary for deep feeling, showing how Paul and his circle describe inward affection and compassion language similar to ‘my very heart.’
Alternative generated candidates
- Whom I have sent back to you—receive him, I pray you—my very heart.
- I am sending him back to you—sending my very heart.
Phlm.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- εβουλομην: VERB,impf,mid,ind,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- κατεχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ινα: CONJ
- υπερ: PREP
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- διακονη: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δεσμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ευαγγελιου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
Parallels
- Philippians 2:25-30 (thematic): Epaphroditus was sent by the Philippians to minister to Paul's needs; parallels Onesimus being kept/sent to minister to Paul while he is in chains.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 (verbal): Paul requests Mark because 'he is useful to me for ministry'—similar language of someone being 'useful' and serving Paul's ministry needs.
- 2 Timothy 1:16-18 (thematic): Onesiphorus 'often refreshed' Paul and was not ashamed of his chains—a parallel motif of companions ministering to Paul during imprisonment.
- Colossians 4:7-9 (verbal): Tychicus and Onesimus are named as faithful ministers and fellow servants; Onesimus appears here as a ministerly figure, directly linking his identity and role to Philemon's account.
Alternative generated candidates
- I would have kept him with me, that on your behalf he might have served me in the bonds of the gospel;
- I would have been glad to keep him with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the gospel.
Phlm.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- χωρις: PREP,gen
- δε: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- σης: PREP
- γνωμης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- ηθελησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ως: ADV
- κατα: PREP
- αναγκην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- εκουσιον·: ADJ,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Philemon 1:8-9 (structural): Same letter: Paul says he could command Philemon (boldness in Christ) but prefers to appeal to him—directly parallels the decision in 1:14 not to act without Philemon’s willing consent.
- 2 Corinthians 8:8 (verbal): Paul states his request 'not as a command'—language and tactic mirror Philemon 1:14’s emphasis on avoiding coercion and seeking voluntary goodwill.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (thematic): 'Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion' echoes Philemon’s concern that Philemon’s action be free and not forced.
- 1 Corinthians 9:12 (thematic): Paul explains that although he has rights, he did not use them so as not to hinder the gospel—parallels his restraint in Philemon 1:14 to avoid imposing on Philemon’s freedom.
Alternative generated candidates
- but without your consent I would do nothing, that your goodness might not be forced but voluntary.
- But I preferred to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness might not be forced but voluntary.
Phlm.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ταχα: ADV
- γαρ: PART
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εχωρισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- ωραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- αιωνιον: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- απεχης: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,sg
Parallels
- Romans 8:28 (thematic): Paul’s conviction that God works circumstances for a good purpose — the separation of Onesimus is presented as serving a beneficial/divine purpose (so that he might be returned).
- Genesis 50:20 (thematic): Joseph’s brothers meant evil in sending him away, but God turned it to good; similar motif of a painful separation serving a providential end (preservation/reconciliation).
- Colossians 4:9 (verbal): Onesimus is named elsewhere by Paul as a ‘faithful and beloved brother’ (one of you), directly linking to Philemon’s concern and Paul’s hoped-for permanent restoration.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (thematic): Paul’s language about the ministry of reconciliation echoes the present situation: a formerly alienated person (Onesimus) being restored to relationship within the Christian community.
Alternative generated candidates
- For perhaps he was parted from you for a while that you might have him forever,
- For perhaps he was parted from you for a while for this reason, that you might have him back forever,
Phlm.1.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουκετι: ADV
- ως: ADV
- δουλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- υπερ: PREP
- δουλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αγαπητον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- μαλιστα: ADV
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ποσω: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- μαλλον: ADV
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- σαρκι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Philemon 1:10-13 (structural): Same letter context: Paul describes Onesimus's change in status (from 'useless' to 'useful') and his return, setting up the appeal to receive him not as a slave but differently.
- Philemon 1:15 (verbal): Immediate context: Paul frames Onesimus’s absence as providential so that Philemon might have him 'back forever,' preparing the ground for redefining him as a brother rather than merely a slave.
- Galatians 3:28 (thematic): Affirms the abolition of social distinctions 'neither slave nor free' in Christ, echoing the theological basis for receiving Onesimus as a brother 'in the Lord.'
- Colossians 3:11 (thematic): Declares that social and ethnic categories (including slave and free) are transcended in Christ, paralleling Paul’s reclassification of Onesimus as a beloved brother.
- Ephesians 6:9 (thematic): Instruction to masters and slaves that they share the same heavenly Master; resonates with Paul’s appeal to relational equality 'in the Lord' and humane treatment across social ranks.
Alternative generated candidates
- no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me, and how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
- no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Phlm.1.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ει: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εχεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- κοινωνον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- προσλαβου: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- εμε: PRON,acc,sg,1
Parallels
- Matt.10.40 (verbal): Uses the same receiving-formula: 'Whoever receives you receives me'—a direct verbal parallel linking hospitality to receiving the speaker (Paul/Christ).
- Luke 10.16 (verbal): Comparable formula ('Whoever listens to you listens to me') applying apostolic authority and identity-transfer to those who accept the messenger.
- Phlm.1.16 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter: Paul instructs Philemon to receive Onesimus 'no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,' which completes the appeal of v.17.
- Matt.25.40 (thematic): Develops the theme that actions toward 'brothers' are actions toward Christ ('as you did it to one of the least... you did it to me'), connecting hospitality/acceptance of a fellow believer with service to Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- So if you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
- So if you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.
Phlm.1.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ηδικησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- οφειλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ελλογα·: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 18:23-35 (structural): Parable of the unforgiving servant centers on a creditor canceling/accepting responsibility for a debtor's obligation — similar debt imagery and the theme of one party taking on or cancelling another's liability.
- Luke 7:41-43 (thematic): Parable of two debtors where a creditor forgives debts; thematically parallels the idea of a third party removing or assuming another's indebtedness.
- Isaiah 53:4-6 (allusion): The servant bears the sins/iniquities of others; Paul’s offer to ‘count’ Onesimus’s debt to himself echoes the motif of one party bearing another’s moral/financial culpability.
- Galatians 6:2 (thematic): ‘Bear one another's burdens’ articulates the ethical principle behind Paul’s willingness to assume Onesimus’s obligation on Philemon’s behalf.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 (allusion): Paul’s theology of substitution — Christ made to be sin for us — provides a theological analogue to Paul’s practical offer to take on Onesimus’s liability.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if he has wronged you or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
- If he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge it to me.
Phlm.1.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εγραψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εμη: PRON,dat,sg,f,1
- χειρι: NOUN,dat,sg,fem
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- αποτισω·ινα: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- μη: PART
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- σεαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- προσοφειλεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- 2 Thessalonians 3:17 (verbal): Paul uses the identical formula 'I, Paul, write this with my own hand,' a distinctive personal autograph phrase also found in Phlm 1:19.
- Colossians 4:18 (verbal): Another instance of Paul's closing: 'I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand'—paralleling the personal handwriting emphasis in Phlm 1:19.
- Philemon 1:18 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel: Paul offers to accept any wrong or debt Onesimus owes and instructs Philemon to charge it to him—which Phlm 1:19 reinforces with a personal pledge to repay.
- Romans 15:27 (thematic): Speaks of believers being 'debtors' to one another for spiritual benefits, echoing Phlm 1:19's language of owing and mutual obligation within the Christian community.
- Luke 7:41-43 (thematic): The parable of debt and forgiveness (two debtors forgiven) resonates with Philem. themes of debt, obligation, and pardon—background for Paul's offer to repay and request for reconciliation.
Alternative generated candidates
- I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay—though I do not say to you how you owe even your own self to me.
- I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it; not to mention that you owe me your very self.
Phlm.1.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ναι: PART
- αδελφε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- οναιμην: VERB,impf,mid,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- κυριω·αναπαυσον: NOUN,dat,sg,m; VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- σπλαγχνα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Phlm.1.7 (verbal): Same letter: Paul speaks of joy/encouragement and uses language of hearts being refreshed through the addressee (τὰ σπλάγχνα/ἡ ἀναψυχή), closely echoing the plea to 'refresh my heart.'
- Rom.15.32 (verbal): Paul hopes to come 'that I may be refreshed together with you' (τῆς ἀναψυχῆς), using the same idea of spiritual refreshment that he requests from Philemon.
- 1 Thess.3.6-7 (thematic): When Timothy returned with news, Paul and his companions were encouraged and their hearts were comforted—parallel theme of being refreshed/comforted by good news or a fellow believer's action.
- 2 Cor.7.6-7 (thematic): Paul describes how God 'comforted' him by the arrival of Titus and how their spirits were refreshed—similar vocabulary and the motif of encouragement through a companion's visit.
- Phil.2.19-20 (thematic): Paul's hope that Timothy's visit will encourage/comfort him reflects the same pastoral concern for being emotionally and spiritually refreshed by a fellow Christian's presence or report.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
- Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
Phlm.1.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πεποιθως: VERB,perf,act,part,nom,sg,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- υπακοη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- εγραψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- ειδως: PART,perf,act,nom,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- υπερ: PREP
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- λεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ποιησεις: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- Phlm 1:14 (structural): Within the same letter Paul had earlier declined to act without Philemon’s consent, linking his present expression of confidence (that Philemon will do what is right) to the theme of voluntary obedience and respect for Philemon’s will.
- Romans 15:14 (verbal): Paul likewise expresses confidence in the Roman Christians’ moral character and readiness to obey/act; both passages use confident language (πεποιθώς/‹I am convinced›) about the recipients’ conduct.
- 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (thematic): Paul commends believers who gave 'beyond their ability' and acted generously of their own accord—parallel to Philemon’s expectation that he will do even more than Paul asks (surpassing the request).
- Ephesians 3:20 (thematic): Though applied to God rather than to a human, the language of accomplishing 'far more' than asked or imagined echoes the idea in Philemon that the addressee will do 'even more' than Paul requested.
Alternative generated candidates
- Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
- Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
Phlm.1.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αμα: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ετοιμαζε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ξενιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- προσευχων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- χαρισθησομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Luke 22:11 (verbal): Jesus instructs disciples to follow a man to a house and prepare a guest/upper room (verb for preparing lodging), paralleling Paul’s request that a lodging be prepared for his visit.
- Acts 28:30 (structural): Luke reports Paul staying in a rented house in Rome for two years—a concrete example of Paul’s need for and arrangement of lodging while ministering, echoing Philemon’s practical concern for accommodation.
- Romans 15:30 (thematic): Paul appeals to the Romans to ‘strive together with me in your prayers’—a close thematic parallel to Philemon 1:22’s reliance on the recipients’ prayers for Paul's hoped-for visit or favor.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (thematic): Paul expresses earnest prayer and longing to see the Thessalonians again and to complete what is lacking—paralleling Philemon’s anticipation of a visit and dependence on prayer for its fulfillment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And at the same time prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
- At the same time prepare a guest room for me, for I hope through your prayers to be restored to you.
Phlm.1.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ασπαζεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- Επαφρας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- συναιχμαλωτος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 4:12 (verbal): Same person, Epaphras, sends greetings to the Colossians; both verses identify Epaphras and link him with prayerful ministry on behalf of the recipients.
- Colossians 1:7 (verbal): Epaphras is described as a beloved fellow servant who taught the Colossians — connects to Philemon's greeting by the same associate and his role in the churches.
- Colossians 4:10 (verbal): Aristarchus is called Paul’s 'fellow prisoner' (συναιχμάλωτος) — parallels the 'fellow prisoner' designation applied to associates in Philemon and the motif of shared imprisonment.
- Philemon 1:24 (structural): Same epistolary closing that lists and sends greetings from Paul’s co-workers (Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke), paralleling the personal greeting from Epaphras in 1:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,
- Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
Phlm.1.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μαρκος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Αρισταρχος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Δημας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Λουκας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- συνεργοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- Colossians 4:10-14 (verbal): Contains nearly the same roster (Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke) and similar greetings—close verbal/structural parallel to Philemon's list of coworkers.
- 2 Timothy 4:11 (verbal): Paul singles out Mark as a useful coworker ('Get Mark and bring him with you'), corroborating Mark's role as Paul's companion named in Philemon 1:24.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 (thematic): Mentions Demas (who deserted Paul), offering a thematic contrast with Philemon where Demas is still listed among Paul's coworkers.
- Acts 19:29; 20:4 (verbal): Aristarchus appears in Acts as one of Paul's traveling companions—an independent attestation of the same individual named in Philemon 1:24.
- Romans 16:3-4 (thematic): Paul's greeting of Priscilla and Aquila as 'my fellow workers in Christ Jesus' reflects the common Pauline practice of naming and commending fellow workers, a thematic parallel to Philemon's list.
Alternative generated candidates
- as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke—my fellow workers.
- and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
Phlm.1.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Η: ART,nom,sg,fem
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μετα: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Philippians 4:23 (verbal): Almost identical closing blessing: 'The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.' (exact verbal parallel in Pauline epistolary benedictions).
- Galatians 6:18 (verbal): Same formula: 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.' Close verbal and contextual parallel in Paul's final greetings.
- 1 Corinthians 16:23 (verbal): A similar Pauline farewell: 'The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.' Echoes the same benedictory language though with slight variation in wording.
- Romans 16:20 (verbal): Concludes with a comparable benediction in some textual traditions: 'The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all,' showing the common Pauline closing formula.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 (thematic): A related benediction that expands the formula trinitarianly ('The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ... and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all'), thematically connected as a final blessing invoking Christ's grace.
Alternative generated candidates
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
- The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
For though I have boldness in Christ to command you to do what is fitting,
yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal — I, Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,
who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.
I am sending him back to you — sending my very heart.
I would have preferred to keep him with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in the chains of the gospel,
but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed would be voluntary and not coerced.
For perhaps he was separated from you for a while for this very purpose — that you might have him back forever,
no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother — especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you regard me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account.
I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay — to say nothing of your owing me even yourself.
Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
At the same time prepare for me a guest room, for I hope, through your prayers, to be restored to you.
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
All my fellow workers greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.