Philemon 1:18

If. The Greek emphasizes the reality, from Paul’s viewpoint, of Onesimus’ debt to Philemon. However, the conditional clause allows Philemon the privilege of judging whether, under the present circumstances, Onesimus actually owes him anything. Onesimus had stolen from Philemon before departing and as a Christian he would be expected to make full restitution, without question. Some suggest that the loss here considered is that of Onesimus’ services, services which could be financially assessed since Philemon had to substitute another servant to fill Onesimus’ post.

Paul is here not making a veiled hint that Philemon should cancel Onesimus’ financial debt because of Philemon’s debt to Paul. Such a procedure contradicts the high ethical principles by which Paul guides his conduct.

Mine account. Paul desires that no obstacle should hinder an unreserved reception of Onesimus when he arrives in Colossae. Paul would have the debt incurred by the runaway slave charged to him personally, as a father covers the debts of his son (v. 11). Such foresight and love that cover the failures of a repentant sinner reflect the glorious splendor of Christ’s great deed for men who recognize their debt to God. Christ, like Paul, was not responsible for the failures of men. Yet He stands in man’s stead, covering his debt with His own merits, so that the repentant sinner may be justified before all creation. Christ, like Paul, was willing to pay another’s debt so that the sinner may be received by all as though he had committed no wrong. Therefore, when the repentant servant returned, Philemon was not to see Onesimus and his debt, but Paul and his promise of repayment. Could language be more gracious and yet more poignant than what the master letter writer here pens?