“If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.”
If then you count me as a partner,
Paul viewed Philemon as a partner in ministry, and he assumed that Philemon felt the same way. Paul makes a plea on the basis of their partnership and fellowship in the Lord.
2 Co 8:23, “If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.”\
receive him as you would me
The word “receive” means welcome. Philemon should welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul himself. The word “as” measures the affection that Philemon had toward Paul. Paul says in effect, “Credit to Onesimus any regard you have for me. Receive him as you would receive me.”
PRINCIPLE:
Each Christian holds the same status quo before God because of Christ.
APPLICATION:
Every Christian is complete in Christ. We all hold the same spiritual position and status quo before God.
Eph 4:1, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called…”
Co 2:9, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Dr. Richisin,
Thank you so much for your great insight. I had a thought concerning verse 17, and I would like to see if you agree. Paul asked Philemon to welcome Onesimus, as he would welcome Paul. In other words, he was asking him to welcome someone who had sinned against him, as he would welcome someone who had done him no wrong at all. I see this as an implication for justification. On the basis of Christ's sacrifice for us, God accepts us, who had committed sin against Him, as people who have done Him no wrong at all. Justification (Just as if I had never sinned). What do you think?
Thank you,
Jamie Johnson
Jamie, your point is not taught directly in the passage but could be used as an illustration.