Observe here, 1. The writer of this epistle described by his name, PAUL; by his condition, A PRISONER OF JESUS CHRIST; by his office,. LABOURER,. SOLDIER,. FELLOW-LABOURER, and. FELLOW-SOLDIER with Philemon and Archippus. Where note, That to be. labourer,. soldier, and. prisoner for Jesus Christ, a... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, Our apostle's holy insinuation and pious wisdom; that he might make. more easy way for his petition, he labours to possess Philemon with an opinion of his endeared affection towards him, and of his continual prayers even by name for him: I THANK MY GOD, MAKING MENTION OF THEE IN MY PRA... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle having discovered to Philemon his fervent prayers for him, next makes mention of the excellent graces which were so orient and shining in him, namely, his faith and his love; his faith in Christ produced love to him and all his saints, not to. party of Christians only: HEARING OF THY LOV... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, The marvellous condescending humility of our apostle in these expressions: As an apostle he was the highest ruler and officer in the church of God, and had the fullest authority and power that. person could have upon earth, to command, require, and enjoin Philemon to the practice of hi... [ Continue Reading ]
Here are several arguments used by our apostle, why Philemon should receive Onesimus into his service again. 1. Because St. Paul had sent him for that end. long and tedious journey from Rome to Colosse, and because he came with the apostle's commendary letters, and in his name. We are not easily to... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our apostle answers an objection which possibly Philemon might make: Thus, "Onesimus ran away from me; what reason have. to receive him again?" The apostle seems thus to rely upon it: if his departing from thee was so managed by the wise and merciful providence of God, that it might be an occas... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. Another argument wherewith St. Paul doth press Philemon to receive Onesimus, and it is drawn from. partnership and communion with him in the faith; if we are partners, and have communion and friendship one with another as Christians, comply with my desires herein. Learn hence, that... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. pathetic repetition of our apostle's former petition, with the force and strength of. fresh and additional argument. Thus, "O my brother, that which revives me in. prison, and refreshes my bowels, now. am in bonds, that assuredly thou oughtest to do; but thy remitting and receiving... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle being now come to the conclusion of his epistle, he shuts it up with salutations and prayers: first he salutes Philemon from Epaphras, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, some his fellow-prisoners, all his fellow labourers. Here note, How graciously God provides for the comfort of his... [ Continue Reading ]