1 No major textual differences; minor punctuation variations exist in later manuscripts. Paul shifts from a legalistic appeal to a personal, emotional one. He uses the term „benefit“ (ὀναίμην, onaimēn), a word that echoes Onesimus’s name, meaning „profitable“ or „useful.“ This wordplay subtly pressures Philemon to accept Onesimus, suggesting that doing so would not only be beneficial to Paul but would also embody the very essence of Christian love. „Refresh my heart“ (ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὴν καρδίαν, anapauson mou tēn kardian) is a plea for spiritual rest and comfort that can only be provided by Philemon’s charitable act.
1 No major textual differences; minor punctuation variations exist in later manuscripts. Paul shifts from a legalistic appeal to a personal, emotional one. He uses the term „benefit“ (ὀναίμην, onaimēn), a word that echoes Onesimus’s name, meaning „profitable“ or „useful.“ This wordplay subtly pressures Philemon to accept Onesimus, suggesting that doing so would not only be beneficial to Paul but would also embody the very essence of Christian love. „Refresh my heart“ (ἀνάπαυσόν μου τὴν καρδίαν, anapauson mou tēn kardian) is a plea for spiritual rest and comfort that can only be provided by Philemon’s charitable act.