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Philemon 1:17
17 If [ei] thou count [echo] me [eme] therefore [oun] a partner [koinonos], receive [proslambano] him [autos] as [hos] myself [eme]. KJV-Interlinear
17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. NASB
The word for partner, ‘koinonos,’ means one who has similar interests. The common interests between Paul and Philemon are the principles of Christianity. And in Christianity, there are the many principles of charity, forgiveness, fairness, understanding, self control, grace, giving someone a second chance, and so forth.
Christianity is not everyone making up the rules as they go along. Christianity is not everyone interpreting the rules of life in a manner which is convenient to them. Christianity is not subjective as some would make it out to be.
The common interests of Christians should be unbiased, unprejudiced, without preconceived ideas, not ruled by emotions, certainly not ruled by their sin natures, nor guided by ones self interests.
The views of Christians should be guided by charity, empathy, deference to Gods plan over their own objectives.
Probably more important, Christian views should realize that God has a plan for every human being, and that plan is intended to help people in their advance and preparation for eternity. Gods plan does not mean that you can advance yourself at the expense of someone else.
If you seek to advance yourself with the intention of, or by means of, taking advantage of others, then your advance is phony and dishonorable. You are only setting yourself up for ultimate loss at the end of your life.
Christians should meet the issues of life with an open mind. This does not mean that you allow someone else to run all over you. This does not mean that you sacrifice responsibility. Nor does it mean that you maintain a stubborn or rigid attitude.
Paul is looking for common ground, with which to deal with Onesimus’ situation. Paul is looking to Philemons’ maturity in doctrine in order to arrive at a fair and equitable remedy for Onesimus.
Paul wishes for Philemon to apply the same principles toward Onesimus as he would toward Paul.
Everyone should have but one set of principles in life with which they apply toward everyone, and not apply selectively as they see fit.
