_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philemon 1:1. A PRISONER.—There is evident design in this opening word of the letter. How could Philemon resist an appeal which was penned within prison-walls and by a manacled band? UNTO PHILEMON.—A citizen of Colossæ, who owed his conversion, his better self, to t... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philemon 1:4. I THANK MY GOD.—There the apostle carries all his joys and troubles into the presence of his God. Philemon 1:5. HEARING OF THY LOVE.—Perhaps the bearer of the refreshing news was Epaphras. The love of Philemon is the chief element so far as the immedi... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philemon 1:8. THOUGH I MIGHT BE MUCH BOLD.—R.V. better, “though I have all boldness.” St. Paul feels that his relationship to Philemon might warrant the casting away of reserve in speech. TO ENJOIN THEE THAT WHICH IS CONVENIENT.—R.V. “befitting.” To lay down what wo... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philemon 1:12. WHOM I HAVE SENT AGAIN.—There were police—_the fugitivarii_—whose duty it was to track out runaway slaves: love succeeds better. Philemon 1:13. I WOULD HAVE RETAINED.—“I could have wished I might keep him.” Paul was not a man to take a liberty with a... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philemon 1:17. IF THOU COUNT ME THEREFORE A PARTNER.—The master-stroke of the apostle’s policy. Who would not pay a goodly price for the privilege of calling such a man comrade or friend? RECEIVE HIM AS MYSELF.—Not as a slave, nor a pardoned slave, nor a freedman, b... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES_ Philemon 1:20. LET ME HAVE JOY.—The apostle appeals to what has been a customary thing with Philemon (Philemon 1:7). The verb is at the root of the name Onesimus. Philemon 1:21. THOU WILT ALSO DO MORE THAN I SAY.—What would he do? Set Onesimus at liberty? If so, th... [ Continue Reading ]