What does Philemon 1:11 mean?

Explanation

Philemon 1:11, within the New Testament of the Bible, is part of a personal letter written by the Apostle Paul to Philemon, a Christian leader in the church of Colossae.

The verse reads: "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:" In this passage, Paul refers to Onesimus, a slave who had belonged to Philemon but had run away, and whom Paul had since met in Rome.

Traditionally, the "unprofitable" aspect refers to Onesimus's previous state as a runaway slave who was of no help to Philemon.

However, "profitable" indicates that Onesimus has undergone a transformation and is now valuable to both Philemon and Paul, implying not just a practical use but a spiritual one, too.

Historical Context

The Epistle to Philemon is one of the prison epistles, written by Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome around A.D. 60.

During this time, slavery was a common practice in the Roman Empire, and slaves were considered property with few rights.

Onesimus had fled from Philemon and eventually encountered Paul.

Under Roman law, Philemon had the right to severely punish Onesimus for his flight.

However, Paul advocates for a different approach, employing Christian principles. Onesimus had been converted to Christianity by Paul, which prompted Paul to send him back to Philemon with this letter.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse embodies the concepts of redemption and reconciliation.

It illustrates the Christian belief that a person can change through the influence of God and become valuable in God's service.

It also suggests the abolition of social barriers through Christian fellowship, Onesimus is no longer just a slave but a brother in Christ.

The letter displays Paul's mediation on behalf of Onesimus, which can be seen as a reflection of Christ's redeeming work for humanity.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages readers to be forgiving and to accept that people can change for the better.

It calls for the embrace of individuals who might previously have been deemed "unprofitable" or unworthy and underlines the idea that everyone has potential and value in a community.

In daily life, this verse can inspire one to give others, particularly those who have wronged us, a second chance.

Cross-References

• Colossians 4:9: _"With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.

They shall make known unto you all things which are done here."_

• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek manuscript in Philemon 1:11 for "unprofitable" is "achrestos," which means useless or of no benefit.

The Greek for "profitable" is "euchrestos," denoting usefulness or serviceable. The play on words with "achrestos" and "euchrestos" adds a rhetorical flourish to Paul's appeal, indicating a transformation from uselessness to usefulness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient myths and religious texts, themes of transformation and redemption are common. In Greek mythology, characters often undergo trials that transform their identities and roles within myths.

However, Greek myths typically reflected the capricious whims of gods rather than the moral agency in a story like that of Onesimus.

In religious traditions like Buddhism, transformation comes through enlightenment, which has some parallel to the Christian idea of spiritual awakening that seems to be suggested in Paul's letter.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological studies emphasize the capability of individuals to change their behavior and life trajectories, akin to Onesimus's transformation from unprofitable to profitable.

Research into neuroplasticity, for example, supports the idea that the brain can reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, indicating that personal and character change is indeed possible from a scientific perspective.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have often seen Philemon 1:11 as a testament to the transformative power of Christian conversion.

John Calvin comments on the newfound usefulness of Onesimus, stating that "by becoming a Christian, he ceased to be unprofitable." Matthew Henry's commentary echoes this, suggesting that Onesimus was "now made a useful servant, nay, more than a servant, a brother beloved." Modern commentaries continue to grapple with the cultural implications regarding slavery and the principle of seeking personal redemption and the inherent value in every individual.