This single epistle infinitely transcends all the wisdom of the world. And it gives us a specimen how Christians ought to treat of secular affairs from higher principles. Paul a prisoner of Christ — To whom, as such, Philemon could deny nothing. And Timotheus — This was written before the second epi... [ Continue Reading ]
To Apphia — His wife, to whom also the business in part belonged. And the church in thy house — The Christians who meet there.... [ Continue Reading ]
Hearing — Probably from Onesimus.... [ Continue Reading ]
I pray that the communication of thy faith may become effectual — That is, that thy faith may be effectually communicated to others, who see and acknowledge thy piety and charity.... [ Continue Reading ]
The saints — To whom Philemon's house was open, Philemon 1:1:Philemon 1:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
I might be bold in Christ — Through the authority he hath given me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Yet out of love I rather entreat thee — In how handsome a manner does the apostle just hint, and immediately drop, the consideration of his power to command, and tenderly entreat Philemon to hearken to his friend, his aged friend, and now prisoner for Christ! With what endearment, in the next verse,... [ Continue Reading ]
Whom I have begotten in my bonds — The son of my age.... [ Continue Reading ]
Now profitable — None should be expected to be a good servant before he is a good man. He manifestly alludes to his name, Onesimus, which signifies profitable.... [ Continue Reading ]
Receive him, that is, my own bowels — Whom I love as my own soul. Such is the natural affection of a father in Christ toward his spiritual children.... [ Continue Reading ]
To serve me in thy stead — To do those services for me which thou, if present, wouldest gladly have done thyself.... [ Continue Reading ]
That thy benefit might not be by constraint — For Philemon could not have refused it.... [ Continue Reading ]
God might permit him to be separated (a soft word) for a season, that thou mightest have him for ever — Both on earth and in heaven.... [ Continue Reading ]
In the flesh — As a dutiful servant. In the Lord — As a fellow — Christian.... [ Continue Reading ]
If thou accountest me a partner — So that thy things are mine, and mine are thine.... [ Continue Reading ]
I will repay it — If thou requirest it. Not to say, that then owest me thyself — It cannot be expressed, how great our obligation is to those who have gained our souls to Christ. Beside — Receiving Onesimus.... [ Continue Reading ]
Refresh my bowels in Christ — Give me the most exquisite and Christian pleasure.... [ Continue Reading ]
Given to you — Restored to liberty.... [ Continue Reading ]