On the basis of this relationship with Philemon as a partner, Paul appeals to him to give Onesimus the same kind of welcome he would give Paul, that is, receive him as a brother and a partner. The word partner translates the Greek koinōnos, cognate of the noun koinōnia “sharing, fellowship” in verse 6 (compare 2 Cor 8.23 where Paul calls Titus his partner; in Luke 5.10 James and John are called Simon Peter’s partners). Paul is talking about partnership in the Christian faith and work. Paul phrases the matter as if it were in doubt, but this is a rhetorical device (compare a similar kind of statement in Col 2.20).

A literal rendering of the conditional clause if you think of me as your partner might suggest that this would not be the case. In order to indicate clearly the implication of what Paul is saying, one may translate “you think of me as your partner and therefore…” The expression partner often requires some kind of descriptive equivalent, for example, “as one who works together with you for the Lord.”

Welcome him back may be rendered in some instances as “receive him gladly” or, as in some languages, “when he returns, say to him, ‘You are in your own home’ ” or “… my home is your home.” These types of formulaic statements are frequently the way in which people welcome a guest.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Philemon. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .