Philemon 1:18

18. But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account;

a.

This verse answers a possible objection that might be raised by Philemon: How can I receive Onesimus back when he has done so dishonestly (or unjustly), and owes me for what he has taken?

b.

We have no definite information as to what Onesimus had done or not done that could be called unjust. It is altogether likely that he stole some money from Philemon's house before he ran away. He could hardly have gotten to far-off Rome from Colossae without considerable funds. But we can only guess about all this. (Titus 2:9-10 commands Christian slaves to avoid stealing and pilfering!)

c.

In three short Greek words Paul disposes of the possible objection of Onesimus-' debts to Philemon: touto emoi elloga! Put this to my account!

d.

Paul almost certainly never expected to have to pay any damages caused by Onesimus. In the first place Paul probably did not have enough money to do so. Philippians 2:25 speaks of Paul being in need while he was a prisoner in Rome. Secondly Paul wrote these wordsPut this to my accountmore to impress Philemon with his eagerness about forgiving Onesimus, than to pledge himself as financial security for debts.