_Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ_ To whom, as such, Philemon could deny nothing. Paul does not call himself an apostle, because he wrote to Philemon only in the character of a friend, to request a favour rather than to enjoin what was fit, Philemon 1:8; _and Timothy_ Who was now with Paul at Rome,... [ Continue Reading ]
_I thank my God_, &c. This epistle, which infinitely transcends all the wisdom of this world, gives us an admirable specimen how Christians ought to treat of secular affairs from higher principles; _making mention of thee in my prayers_ See Romans 1:9; _Hearing of thy love and faith_ “By telling Phi... [ Continue Reading ]
_For we have great joy and consolation_ Timothy and I are greatly rejoiced and comforted; _in_, or by, _thy love_ To God and his people; _because the bowels of the saints_ That is, the saints themselves, to whom it seems Philemon's house was open; _are refreshed by thee, brother_ So the apostle term... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore_ Because we are so well assured of thy benevolent disposition, and thy constant readiness to do every good in thy power; _though I might be much bold in Christ_ Might take great freedom in virtue of my relation to him, and the authority he has given me; _to enjoin thee_ and others _that w... [ Continue Reading ]
_I beseech thee_ There is a beautiful emphasis in the repetition of these words, which he had introduced in the preceding verse; _for my son_ The son of my age. The order of the original words is this; _1 entreat thee for a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus_ On this Macknight r... [ Continue Reading ]
_For perhaps he therefore departed_ Δια τουτο εχωρισθη, _for this reason he was separated;_ a soft expression, to denote Onesimus's running away from his master; for it contains an insinuation that this had happened providentially; _for a season_ Προς ωραν, _for an hour_, a little while; _that thou... [ Continue Reading ]
_If thou count me therefore a partner_ Κοινωνον, _a companion_, one having fellowship with thee in Christ, or a sharer with thee in the blessings of the gospel, the dearest bond of friendship; _receive him as myself_ Even as thou wouldest receive me, if I could have the satisfaction of paying thee a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Having confidence in thy obedience_ That thou wilt comply with my request; _I wrote_ Rather, _I have written; to thee_ With great freedom; _knowing that thou wilt do more than I say_ Wilt show Onesimus more kindness than I have expressed. Some commentators think the apostle here insinuates to Phile... [ Continue Reading ]
_There salute thee Epaphras_, &c. Respecting these persons, see on Colossians 4:10; Colossians 4:12; Colossians 4:14. In that chapter, Philemon 1:10, _Aristarchus_ is called the apostle's fellow-prisoner; but as that particular is not mentioned here, it is not improbable that he had obtained his lib... [ Continue Reading ]