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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philemon 1:17 So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/57_Phm_01_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:17 - Paul's Appeal for Onesimus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, if you consider me a partner, receive him as me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If then you count me as a partner, receive him as <i>you would</i> me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If then you regard me <i>as</i> a partner, accept him as <i>you would</i> me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If then you regard me a partner, accept him as <i>you would</i> me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If then you regard me a partner, accept him as <i>you would accept</i> me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, welcome <i>and</i> accept him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you consider me a friend because of Christ, then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you think of me as your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If therefore you regard me as a comrade, receive him as if he were I myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />If, then, you have fellowship with me, receive him as me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, if you consider me a partner, receive him as me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> If, then, with me thou hast fellowship, receive him as me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If therefore thou hold me a participator, receive him in addition as me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now, therefore, if you still count me a partner, welcome him as you would me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />If, therefore, you are my partner, receive him as mine.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />If, then, you regard me as a partner, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />if then you have me a comrade, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />If therefore thou holdest me a sharer with thee, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I beg you therefore by the common ties of friendship to receive him as you would myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If therefore you regard me as a comrade, receive him as if he were I myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />If therefore thou accountest me a friend, receive him as <i>thou wouldst receive</i> me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philemon/1-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=132" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Paul's Appeal for Onesimus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>no 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. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you consider</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/2844.htm" title="2844: koinōnon (N-AMS) -- A sharer, partner, companion. From koinos; a sharer, i.e. Associate.">a partner,</a> <a href="/greek/4355.htm" title="4355: proslabou (V-AMM-2S) -- (a) I take to myself, (b) I take aside, (c) I welcome. From pros and lambano; to take to oneself, i.e. Use, lead, admit.">receive</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as you would receive</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eme (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a></span><br />Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40</a></span><br />He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-20.htm">John 13:20</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-14.htm">Galatians 4:14</a></span><br />And although my illness was a trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Philippians 2:29</a></span><br />Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-7.htm">Romans 15:7</a></span><br />Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-10.htm">1 Corinthians 16:10-11</a></span><br />If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. / No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">Colossians 4:10</a></span><br />My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21-22</a></span><br />Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know about me and what I am doing. / I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 3:2</a></span><br />We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-10.htm">2 John 1:10</a></span><br />If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Genesis 33:10</a></span><br />But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-35.htm">1 Samuel 25:35</a></span><br />Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him, and he said to her, “Go home in peace. See, I have heeded your voice and granted your request.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-38.htm">2 Samuel 19:38</a></span><br />The king replied, “Chimham will cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight, and I will do for you whatever you desire of me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a></span><br />But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.</p><p class="hdg">thou count.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/16-15.htm">Acts 16:15</a></b></br> And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought <i>us</i>, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide <i>there</i>. And she constrained us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">2 Corinthians 8:23</a></b></br> Whether <i>any do inquire</i> of Titus, <i>he is</i> my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren <i>be inquired of, they are</i> the messengers of the churches, <i>and</i> the glory of Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Ephesians 3:6</a></b></br> That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:</p><p class="hdg">receive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10,12</a></b></br> I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40</a></b></br> He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-48.htm">Matthew 12:48-50</a></b></br> But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Comrade</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-7.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Count</a> <a href="/psalms/56-8.htm">Countest</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Fellowship</a> <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Holdest</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Partner</a> <a href="/philemon/1-15.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-10.htm">Welcome</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/judges/7-14.htm">Comrade</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/james/1-2.htm">Count</a> <a href="/job/13-24.htm">Countest</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Fellowship</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Holdest</a> <a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Partner</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-14.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Welcome</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philemon/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So if you consider me a partner</b><br>Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their shared faith and partnership in the gospel. The term "partner" (Greek: koinōnos) implies a deep fellowship and mutual participation in the work of Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of community, where believers were seen as co-laborers in spreading the gospel. The concept of partnership is also seen in <a href="/philippians/1-5.htm">Philippians 1:5</a>, where Paul thanks the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel.<p><b>receive him</b><br>Paul is referring to Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. The act of receiving Onesimus back is not just a physical acceptance but a spiritual and relational one, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation. This reflects the transformative power of the gospel, which breaks down social barriers and calls for a new way of relating to one another, as seen in <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>.<p><b>as you would receive me</b><br>Paul equates Onesimus with himself, urging Philemon to treat Onesimus with the same respect and love he would show to Paul. This is a radical request in the context of Roman society, where slaves had little to no rights. It underscores the Christian principle of equality before God, as highlighted in <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a>. This phrase also typifies Christ's advocacy for believers, as Jesus intercedes on behalf of humanity, asking the Father to receive us as He would His own Son.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who wrote the letter to Philemon. He is imprisoned at the time of writing and is advocating for Onesimus.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a></b><br>A Christian leader and the recipient of the letter. He is a wealthy man who hosts a church in his home.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a></b><br>A runaway slave who has become a Christian under Paul's mentorship. Paul is sending him back to Philemon with this letter.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a></b><br>The body of believers meeting in Philemon's house, who are also indirectly addressed in the letter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/partnership_in_the_gospel.htm">Partnership in the Gospel</a></b><br>Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of their partnership in Christ. This teaches us the importance of viewing our relationships through the lens of our shared faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a></b><br>The letter exemplifies the Christian call to forgive and reconcile, even in difficult circumstances. We are encouraged to seek reconciliation in our own relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a></b><br>Onesimus' transformation from a slave to a brother in Christ highlights the new identity believers have. We should view others through the lens of their identity in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hospitality_and_acceptance.htm">Hospitality and Acceptance</a></b><br>Paul's request for Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would receive Paul challenges us to practice radical hospitality and acceptance within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_advocacy.htm">Intercession and Advocacy</a></b><br>Paul acts as an advocate for Onesimus, modeling how we can intercede for others and support them in their spiritual journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_archippus_in_the_bible.htm">Who is Archippus in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/will_you_forgive_onesimus.htm">Will you accept and forgive your returning servant, Onesimus?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_midianites_in_the_bible.htm">How does Philemon demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_philemon_show_forgiveness.htm">How does Philemon demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philemon/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">A partner.</span>--The title is peculiar. In the singular number (in which it is naturally more distinctive) and in absolute use, unconnected with explanatory words (such as we read in <a href="/1_peter/5-1.htm" title="The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:">1Peter 5:1</a>), it is nowhere else found, except in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm" title="Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brothers be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.">2Corinthians 8:23</a>, where Titus is called St. Paul's "partner and fellow helper;" and even there the context defines the partnership as relating to the collection and ministration of alms. Here it can hardly refer to general Christian fellowship, which would require some such words as "in Christ," or "in the Spirit," and would not fully justify the strong personal appeal of the passage. It must indicate some peculiar bond of fellowship between St. Paul and Philemon. Philemon was his convert (see <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm" title="I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.">Philemon 1:19</a>); yet we notice that he writes to him not as a son, but as a brother. Evidently he was a leader in the Church at Colossae. Tradition, as usual, makes him its bishop. He must have been St. Paul's partner in some common work or special communion of familiarity. (See <span class= "ital">Introduction, </span>sect. 2.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If thou count me therefore a partner</span>; <span class="accented">if thou holdest me for a friend - by our friendship entreat this</span>. The strongest form of entreaty possible to be used. <span class="greek">Κοινωνία</span> in <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a> refers to the Holy Communion, and in <a href="/1_corinthians/10-16.htm">1 Corinthians 10:16-21</a> partakers of it are plainly called by implication <span class="greek">κοινωνοὶ ( παρτακερσ</span>, or, as we should say, "communicants." But here the sense is apparently as above; literally, a <span class="accented">partner</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(Ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you consider</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχεις</span> <span class="translit">(echeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="grk">με</span> <span class="translit">(me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a partner,</span><br /><span class="grk">κοινωνόν</span> <span class="translit">(koinōnon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2844.htm">Strong's 2844: </a> </span><span class="str2">A sharer, partner, companion. From koinos; a sharer, i.e. Associate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">receive</span><br /><span class="grk">προσλαβοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(proslabou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4355.htm">Strong's 4355: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I take to myself, (b) I take aside, (c) I welcome. From pros and lambano; to take to oneself, i.e. Use, lead, admit.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὸν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as [you would receive]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὡς</span> <span class="translit">(hōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμέ</span> <span class="translit">(eme)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philemon/1-17.htm">Philemon 1:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philemon/1-17.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:17 If then you count me a partner (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>