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"Our beloved friend and fellow labourer..."

Text: Philemon 1

PHILEMON

Little is known about Philemon apart from this letter from the apostle Paul. Nevertheless much may be gleaned from this short address.

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow labourer.”
Philemon 1

1. Writing from prison

a) Writing material was scarce and costly in general.

b) To have a special and personal letter from none other than the illustrious Paul, that was something truly special.

2. Philemon a beloved friend

a) The word “friend” is in italics in the NKJV.

b) It indicates that this word was added by the translators.

i) It is an attempt to explain Paul’s relationship with Philemon.

ii) They were indeed great friends!

c) The Greek text

i) Philemon is simply called “The beloved”.

ii) Because Paul included Timothy the translators translated the article “our”.

iii) Contextually this is acceptable.

iv) Philemon obviously enjoyed a special and close relationship with Paul and Timothy.

3. And fellow labourer

a) This term describes a special way in which Philemon related to Paul and Timothy.

b) He was not just a beloved friend.

c) He was a fellow labourer.

i) He must have worked alongside Paul and Timothy.

ii) He must have given a good account of himself as he laboured.

iii) He must have stood side by side as a friend and as a colleague.

iv) He had won the respect of his fellow labourers.

v) He had endeared himself to them.

vi) Hence he was well-regarded by Paul and Timothy.