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Philemon 16 – Beloved Brother
V.16 – Beloved Brother
This answers how Philemon was to have him “back forever.” No matter in what other regard Philemon might consider Onesimus ‑ he is a brother.
“A beloved brother” are words used in the description of Philemon (vv.1,7); and now this runaway slave is equal to Philemon in Paul’s eyes. The phrases “a beloved brother,” “especially to me” and “but how much more to you” were all used to endear Onesimus to Philemon. Paul is using psychology again. The terms “in the flesh” and “in the Lord” are meant to offset each other; their meaning is expressed by Meyer as “`in the flesh’ Philemon has the brother as a slave, and `in the Lord’ the slave as a brother.” (ibid.)
This verse is asking for forgiveness. Paul recognizes a correction of Philemon’s thinking is needed. Onesimus left as an implement, he is returning as a man, a brother on equal standing. It must not be forgotten the letter to the Colossians was read to both the Colossian church and the Laodicean (Col.4:16). Philemon heard and should have been helped by Colossians 3:11‑14, 22; 4:1.
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