Philemon 1:18-19

PHILEMON—NOTE ON Philemon 1:18 If he has wronged you suggests that Onesimus probably took money from Philemon when he ran away. Roman society expected brutal punishment of runaway slaves or bondservants, at times resulting in death. (Regarding servitude in Roman society, see notes on 1 Cor. 7:21 and Ephesians 6:5, and the esv Preface.) I, Paul, write this with my own hand. Although Paul was probably dictating the letter to Timothy (see Philemon 1:1), Paul signs his own name. This action gives his personal guarantee that he will repay any loss Philemon has experienced because of Onesimus’s actions. This is a remarkable offer, considering that Paul was a prisoner at the time. owing me even your own self. A reference to the fact that Philemon was converted through Paul’s ministry. Philemon “owed” Paul his eternal life. The debt that Onesimus owed to Philemon, therefore, was tiny by comparison.