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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 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/57_Phm_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:1 - Greetings from Paul and Timothy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philemon/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philemon/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philemon/">Philemon</a> > <a href="/philemon/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/titus/3-15.htm" title="Titus 3:15">◄</a> Philemon 1:1 <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm" title="Philemon 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— <a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, <a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker <a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon, our beloved and fellow worker, <a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, <a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, <a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, <a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, <a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, <a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, <a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), and our brother Timothy, To Philemon our dearly beloved friend and fellow worker, <a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, <a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, <a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, <a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From Paul, who is in jail for serving Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, who is like a brother because of our faith. Philemon, you work with us and are very dear to us. This letter is to you <a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, <a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From Paul, who is a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and our brother Timothy. To our dear coworker Philemon, <a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy--To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, <a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> From: Paul, a prisoner of the Messiah Jesus, and Timothy our brother. To: Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, <a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker, <a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a> From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and colaborer, <a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, <a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer, <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dearly-loved fellow labourer-- <a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timotheus the brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon, our beloved and fellow worker, <a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timotheus the brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, <a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> PAUL, imprisoned of Jesus Christ, Timothy the brother, to Philemon, dearly beloved, and cooperating,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother: to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer; <a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer, <a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and our co-worker, <a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and co-worker,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Ti-mo’the-us, unto Phi-le’mon our dearly beloved and our fellow-worker, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paul a prisoner of Yeshua The Messiah, and brother Timotheus, to beloved Philemon and our companion laborer,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy my brother, to Philemon my beloved, and our fellow-laborer, <a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, to Philemon the beloved also our fellow-laborer, <a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> PAUL, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy a brother, to Philemon the beloved, and our fellow-labourer, <a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer, <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dearly-loved fellow labourer-- <a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and fellow-worker, <a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <bld>Paul</bld> a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy a brother, to Philemon our beloved brother and fellow-laborer, and to the beloved Apphia, <a href="/parallel/philemon/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Greetings from Paul and Timothy</a> 1<a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul,</a> <a href="/greek/1198.htm" title="1198: desmios (N-NMS) -- One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.">a prisoner</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5095.htm" title="5095: Timotheos (N-NMS) -- Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.">Timothy</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphos (N-NMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother,</a> <a href="/greek/5371.htm" title="5371: Philēmoni (N-DMS) -- Philemon, a Christian man of Colossae. From phileo; friendly; Philemon, a Christian.">To Philemon</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētō (Adj-DMS) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4904.htm" title="4904: synergō (Adj-DMS) -- A fellow worker, associate, helper. From a presumed compound of sun and the base of ergon; a co-laborer, i.e. Coadjutor.">fellow worker,</a> 2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Colossians 4:7-9</a> Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. / I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. / With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here. <a href="/colossians/4-10.htm">Colossians 4:10-14</a> 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. / Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. / Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. ... <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Colossians 4:17</a> Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Ephesians 6:21-22</a> 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. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a> Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: <a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia: <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">1 Timothy 1:1-2</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, / To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Titus 1:1-4</a> Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, / in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. / In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior. ... <a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1</a> Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1-2</a> Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, / To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Acts 16:1-3</a> Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. / The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. / Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-3</a> After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. / There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, / and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. <a href="/acts/20-4.htm">Acts 20:4</a> Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. <a href="/galatians/1-1.htm">Galatians 1:1-2</a> Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead— / and all the brothers with me, To the churches of Galatia:</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,A.<a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Philemon 1:9</a> Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.See on<a href="/ephesians/3-1.htm">Ephesians 3:1</a> For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,<a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a> I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,<a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm">Ephesians 6:20</a> For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.Timothy.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-1.htm">2 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:<a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,<a href="/2_thessalonians/1-1.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:1</a> Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:Philemon.and fellow labourer.<a href="/philemon/1-24.htm">Philemon 1:24</a> Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.<a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Philippians 2:25</a> Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/titus/3-6.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/titus/3-15.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/titus/3-15.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Fellow-Laborer</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Fellowlabourer</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-23.htm">Fellow-Worker</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Fellow-Workman</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/colossians/4-7.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/titus/3-6.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-8.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">Timotheus</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">Timothy</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-6.htm">Worker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/philemon/1-3.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/philemon/1-16.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-9.htm">Dearly-Loved</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Fellow-Laborer</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Fellowlabourer</a> <a href="/romans/16-9.htm">Fellow-Worker</a> <a href="/romans/16-9.htm">Fellow-Workman</a> <a href="/philemon/1-17.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Helper</a> <a href="/philemon/1-3.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/philemon/1-9.htm">Prisoner</a> <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Timotheus</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-23.htm">Timothy</a> <a href="/revelation/18-22.htm">Worker</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div>1. <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a> 8. <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a> </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'; 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This phrase highlights Paul's commitment to the Gospel, as he views his imprisonment not as a result of human authorities but as part of his service to Christ. This reflects the theme of suffering for the faith, as seen in other epistles like <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Philippians 1:13-14</a>, where Paul speaks of his chains advancing the Gospel. The term "prisoner" also symbolizes spiritual submission to Christ, emphasizing Paul's role as a servant leader.and Timothy our brother Timothy is mentioned as "our brother," indicating his close relationship with Paul and his role in the early church. Timothy was a trusted companion and co-worker of Paul, as seen in <a href="/acts/16.htm">Acts 16:1-3</a>, where Paul chooses him to join his missionary journeys. This inclusion signifies the unity and fellowship among early Christians, as well as Timothy's growing influence in the church. The term "brother" underscores the familial bonds within the Christian community, a recurring theme in Paul's letters.To Philemon our beloved fellow worker Philemon is addressed as "our beloved fellow worker," suggesting a deep personal affection and respect. Philemon was likely a leader in the Colossian church, hosting a house church as indicated in <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">Philemon 1:2</a>. The term "fellow worker" implies active participation in the ministry, aligning with Paul's frequent use of the term to describe those who labor alongside him in spreading the Gospel, such as in <a href="/romans/16-3.htm">Romans 16:3</a>. This greeting sets the tone for the letter, which is both personal and pastoral, aiming to address a specific situation involving Onesimus, a runaway slave.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter. At the time of writing, he was imprisoned, likely in Rome, for his faith and missionary work. His self-identification as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" highlights his commitment to the Gospel despite his circumstances. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A close companion and co-worker of Paul, often mentioned in Paul's letters. Timothy is referred to as "our brother," indicating his spiritual kinship and shared mission in the early church. 3. <a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a> The recipient of the letter, described as a "beloved fellow worker." He was likely a leader in the Colossian church and a person of some means, as he hosted a church in his home. 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> Central to the letter, as Paul identifies himself as a prisoner for Christ, emphasizing the lordship and authority of Jesus in his life and ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> While not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context involves the early Christian community, particularly the church that met in Philemon's house.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/commitment_to_christ.htm">Commitment to Christ</a> Paul's identification as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to remain faithful regardless of circumstances. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_kinship.htm">Spiritual Kinship</a> The mention of Timothy as "our brother" underscores the importance of spiritual family and community in the Christian life. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_influence.htm">Leadership and Influence</a> Philemon's role as a "beloved fellow worker" highlights the impact of lay leaders in the church and the importance of hospitality and service. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_encouragement.htm">The Power of Encouragement</a> Paul's greeting sets a tone of encouragement and affirmation, which is crucial in building up fellow believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_paul's_imprisonment_claims.htm">Philemon 1:1, 9, 10 – Is there external historical or archeological evidence confirming Paul’s imprisonment and authorship claims? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_philemon_show_forgiveness.htm">How does Philemon demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation?</a> <a href="/q/is_philemon's_style_unlike_paul's.htm">Philemon 1 – Does the style, language, and brevity of this letter raise doubts about its authenticity compared to Paul’s other writings?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_philemon.htm">Who is the author of Philemon?</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>(1) A prisoner of Jesus Christ.--It is interesting to note the substitution of the name "prisoner," appealing to sympathy, for the usual title of "Apostle," embodying a claim to authority. In the other Epistles of this period (see <a href="/context/ephesians/3-1.htm" title="For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,">Ephesians 3:1-13</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm" title="I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called,">Ephesians 4:1</a>; <a href="/ephesians/6-20.htm" title="For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.">Ephesians 6:20</a>; <a href="/context/philippians/1-12.htm" title="But I would you should understand, brothers, that the things which happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel;">Philippians 1:12-20</a>; <a href="/colossians/4-18.htm" title=" The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.">Colossians 4:18</a>) the Apostle's captivity is dwelt upon mainly as a ground of glory and thankfulness, only secondarily as a cause for sympathy. Here, on the contrary, in this personal Epistle, and in accordance with St. Paul's courteous determination "not to command, but for love's sake to entreat," the latter aspect assumes an almost exclusive prominence.Timothy.--Comp. <a href="/philippians/1-1.htm" title="Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:">Philippians 1:1</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-1.htm" title=" Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,">Colossians 1:1</a>. Here, as in the other Epistles, the salutation includes Timothy, as desiring to imply in him, St. Paul's "own son in the faith," a closeness of connection and sympathy with the Apostle not found in others. But in all cases, and especially in this, the Letter is emphatically the Letter of St. Paul alone. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - A prisoner of Christ Jesus. He writes a private letter, as friend to friend, and therefore does not describe himself by his official title of apostle. Having to plead the cause of a slave, he begins by putting himself into a similar position as the "bondman of Jesus Christ" -"to obtain thereby the more ready compliance" (Chrysostom). By such a reverend bondage he beseeches Philemon, "and the bondage of Paul was liberty to Onesimus" (Scipio Gentilis). Timothy, etc. He was, then, with St. Paul at the time of writing; therefore at Rome; and this fixes the date of composition at all events before that of the Second Epistle to Timothy, when the apostle was again at Rome (<a href="/2_timothy/1-17.htm">2 Timothy 1:17</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">2 Timothy 4:6, 16</a>). Fellow-worker with St. Paul in promoting the spread of the gospel, either by his wealth and influence, less probably by preaching. The time when would be that of St. Paul's long stay at Ephesus and its neighborhood (<a href="/acts/19-8.htm">Acts 19:8-22</a>). <a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul, Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. a prisoner δέσμιος (desmios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1198.htm">Strong's 1198: </a> One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus, Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Timothy Τιμόθεος (Timotheos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5095.htm">Strong's 5095: </a> Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian. [our] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. brother, ἀδελφὸς (adelphos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. To Philemon Φιλήμονι (Philēmoni) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5371.htm">Strong's 5371: </a> Philemon, a Christian man of Colossae. From phileo; friendly; Philemon, a Christian. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. beloved ἀγαπητῷ (agapētō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. fellow worker, συνεργῷ (synergō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4904.htm">Strong's 4904: </a> A fellow worker, associate, helper. From a presumed compound of sun and the base of ergon; a co-laborer, i.e. Coadjutor. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:1 Paul a prisoner of Christ Jesus (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/titus/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Titus 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Titus 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:2" /></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>