1. prisoner of Jesus Christ—one whom Christ’s cause has made a prisoner (compare “in the bonds of the Gospel,” (Phm 1:13). He does not call himself, as in other Epistles, “Paul an apostle,” as he is writing familiarly, not authoritatively.
Paul volunteered to become a business partner with Philemon and help him deal with the Onesimus situation. Two suggestions followed: (1) “Welcome him as you would welcome me.” (2) “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me” (vv. 17–18). Philemon was then able to receive Onesimus as though he were receiving Paul. Paul did not suggest that Philemon ignore the slave’s crimes and forget about the debt Onesimus owed. Instead Paul offered to handle the debt himself. The apostle assured Philemon his debts would be paid.
