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.

PHILEMON 1:9KJV
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Philemon 1:9 (KJV)

What does Philemon 1:9 mean?

Philemon 1:9 shows Paul asking Philemon for a favor not by commanding him, but by appealing to him out of love, mentioning his own age and the fact that he is a prisoner for Jesus Christ. Paul chooses a gentle, personal approach rather than using his authority as an apostle.

Paul is writing to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, about a sensitive issue involving Onesimus, a runaway slave. Instead of demanding action, Paul highlights his relationship with Philemon and his own difficult circumstances to encourage a response based on love and compassion. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, focusing on kindness and mutual respect.

The Greek behind Philemon 1:9

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, "love's"): This word refers to selfless, sacrificial love. Paul’s appeal is grounded in this kind of love, not obligation, which shapes the spirit of his request.
  • παρακαλέω (parakaleō, "beseech"): This Greek word means to urge, encourage, or appeal to someone. Paul uses it instead of a command, showing humility and respect for Philemon’s choice.
  • πρεσβύτης (presbytēs, "aged"): Paul calls himself "the aged," which can mean both elderly and someone worthy of respect. He is reminding Philemon of his long service and possibly his frailty, adding weight to his appeal.
  • δέσμιος (desmios, "prisoner"): Paul identifies himself as a prisoner for Jesus Christ, underlining his suffering for the gospel and appealing to Philemon’s empathy.

Why Philemon 1:9 matters

  • Philemon 1:9 clarifies that Paul is not using his apostolic authority to force Philemon’s hand, but is instead inviting him to act willingly out of love.
  • The verse highlights the importance of relationships and personal connection in Christian community, rather than relying solely on rules or hierarchy.
  • Paul’s mention of his age and imprisonment adds emotional depth, showing vulnerability and encouraging Philemon to respond with compassion.

Where else these words appear

“aged” Greek G4246 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
  • Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

“prisoner” Greek G1198 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 27:15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.
  • Acts 23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
  • Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

“now” Greek G3570 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
  • Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

“one” Greek G5108 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.