THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO PHILEMON
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
This short, but lovely Epistle, must have been written while Paul was a prisoner at Rome: and at that time when he had liberty to receive in his own hired house, all that came to him. Acts 28:30. This seems evident, because Onesimus, on whose account the Apostle wrote to Philemon, then attended Paul's preaching, and the LORD blessed the word to him. Hence the probable date was Anno 60, though some place it later.
The design of this letter seems to have been, to reconcile Philemon to his runaway servant, Onesimus. The outlines of the subject is in the Epistle. It will not be necessary, therefore, in this place to enlarge upon it. As the Holy Ghost hath classed it among the writings of his inspiration, it will be proper to enter upon the perusal of it in prayer. May the Lord bless it to the glory of God, in our edification, through Jesus Christ.