1. Philemon 1:19 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does Paul say Philemon owes him his very self?

Philemon 1:19 (ESV)

19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.

Paul is referring to the fact that humanly speaking, Philemon only became a Christian because of Paul. Whether it was direct or indirect we are not told,1 but in owing Paul his conversion Philemon owes Paul his life.2

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