But Onesimus comes back with a difference. Colossians 4:17). When he had voluntarily assumed it, it was right to treat him as if he had done so; that is, to hold him responsible. It was his rule always to expect the best from others; he never really doubted that Philemon would grant his request. No man ever asked fewer favours than he did, but in this letter he is asking a favour, not so much for himself, as for Onesimus, who had taken the wrong turning and whom Paul was helping to find the way back. Christ bids his disciples pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers, not loiterers, into his harvest,Matthew 9:38. 2. he sends salutations from one who was his fellow-prisoner, and four more who were his fellow-labourers, Philemon 1:23; Philemon 1:24. Put that on mine account - Reckon, or impute that to me - emoi elloga. Paul then hastened to remove a possible obstacle. "Father, I want you to receive them, no longer as sinners but as those who have been washed and cleansed as brothers, eternal sons of God. Evidently, Philemon was one of Paul's converts. When a man has made a mistake, the way back can be very hard, and God cannot readily forgive the man who, in his self-righteousness or lack of sympathy, makes it harder. The Epistle is addressed to Philemon, with the church in his house, and to sister Apphia and Archippus. You give to God and you say, Oh, here You are, God, and you give something to God and you go around griping about it, God just marks it off. God never uses pressure tactics on man. Now also I want you to prepare me a place to stay: for I trust through your prayers that I shall be given unto you ( Philemon 1:22 ). And, [2.] 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He was willing, by putting himself in the place of Onesimus, to bear the consequences, and to have Onesimus treated as if he had not done it. There are those of whom Solomon says, If thou deliver them, thou must do it again (Proverbs 19:19); but the change wrought in Onesimus was such that he would never again need one thus to intercede for him. Notice the general word wronged instead of the more exact specification of the crime. There is a spiritual brotherhood between all true believers, however distinguished in civil and outward respects; they are all children of the same heavenly Father, have a right to the same spiritual privileges and benefits, must love and do all good offices to and for one another as brethren, though still in the same rank, and degree, and station, wherein they were called. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. This letter was written at the same time that Paul wrote the Colossian epistle. Grace makes good for somewhat: "In time past unprofitable, but now profitable, inclined and fitted to be so, and will be so to thee, his master, if thou receive him, as he has since his conversion been here to me, ministering to me in my confinement." Observe the wisdom, and goodness, and power of God, in causing that to end so happily which was begun and carried on for some time so wickedly, thus regarding a poor vassal, one of such low rank and condition and so little regarded by men, working so good and great a change in him who was so far gone in evil ways, who had wronged a master so good, had run from a family so pious, from the means of grace, the church in his house, that he should be led into the way of salvation who had fled from it, and find means made effectual at Rome who had been hardened under them at Colosse. With your spirit, that is, with you, the soul or spirit being the immediate seat of grace, whence it influences the whole man, and flows out in gracious and holy actings. If we have not done a thing, or have not assumed it by a voluntary act, it is not right to charge it upon us. So fix up my room, I'll be there by the grace of God before long. He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. or oweth thee ought; by embezzling his master's goods, robbing him of his money, and running away from his service: put that on mine account; Signifying that he would be answerable for all, and make good all debts and damages. He has so lovingly helped Paul in prison that he has become like a son to Paul (10-11).Although Paul would like to keep Onesimus with him, he feels that the right thing to do is to send him back to his original master, Philemon. "A brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord; by a double tie therefore (both civil and religious) thy servant: thy property, one of thy house and family, and now, in a spiritual respect, thy brother in Christ, which heightens the engagement. Philemon 1:18. And so work out Your plan and rather than getting all upset, rather than fretting, getting angry and all, it's best that we just commit it to the Lord and say, Well, Lord, You're in control and I don't know what You're doing but I just trust You, Lord. Pauls offer is a beautiful illustration of biblical forgiveness based on imputation (cf. Paul, being Paul, could have demanded what he wished from Philemon, but he will only humbly request. In Philemon 1:23 there is a list of greetings from the same comrades as we meet in Colossians, and so there comes the blessing, and Philemon and Onesimus alike are commended to the grace of Christ. Philemon 1:17-18 In-Context. Modesty in self-praises is true praise. The Epistle was written at the same time as the Epistle to the Colossians, that is . a similar commercial metaphor in Philippians 4:15-17, and see Note there. For it was while he was in Rome that he came to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. What takes faith is to have that rest and confidence when things seem to be going completely against me. [2.] I. If he hath wronged thee,. By squandering away his time, spoiling his work, or corrupting his fellow servants: or oweth thee ought; by embezzling his master's goods, robbing him of his money, and running away from his service: put that on mine account; Signifying that he would be answerable for all, and make good all debts and damages. Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete) In this epistle we have, I. Aristarchus is mentioned with Marcus (Colossians 4:10), and called there by Paul his fellow-prisoner; and speaking there of Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, he adds, Touching whom you received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him: an evidence that he himself had received him, and was reconciled to him. And especially, which may be a, 4th Argument, When any circumstance of the person pleading gives additional force to his petition, as here: Being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. When abridged of these or any other mercies, our trust and hope must be in God, without fainting or succumbing, while our case is depending. When he had voluntarily assumed it, it was right to treat him as if he had done so; that is, to hold him responsible. When we speak of the nature of any sin or offence against God, the evil of it is not to be lessened; but in the person of a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must we: "He departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever, that upon conversion he may return, and be a faithful and useful servant to thee as long as he lives." On the other hand he calls them his children, of whom he travailed again, till Christ was formed in them, that is, the likeness of Christ more fully. Thy forgiving a pecuniary debt to a poor penitent for my sake and at my request, and which, however, I now take upon myself to answer, thy remitting it to him, or to me, now his surety, thou wilt confess, is not so great a thing; here is more per contra: Thou owest to me even thy ownself besides." 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. He doesn't know the whole picture. Well, Lord, You're in control. The letter of Philemon involves this man Onesimus, for Onesimus was at one time a slave of Philemon, who had evidently stolen some money and had run away. Sin had left a crimson stain but He washed it white as snow. (3) Paul assumed the debt and the wrong to himself. And so the greeting probably to the household of Philemon, his wife Apphia, and his son Archippus. They loved to show their authority. So was it in this instance of Onesimus; having returned to God, he now returns to his master, who will have more service and better hold of him than ever--by conscience of his duty and faithfulness in it to his life's end; his interest therefore it will be now to receive him. (Gospel writers Mark and . And so we are told to have bowels of compassion and bowels of mercy. The Saviour voluntarily assumed the place of man, and God reckoned, or considered it so. He's appealing really to the love that he knows Philemon has, to the compassion that this man has demonstrated. It would have been needlessly irritating to Philemon to go into the details of Onesimus's offences. Now the Bible says that Jesus is "able to save to the uttermost, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for us" ( Hebrews 7:25 ). He demonstrated his faith to the church by what he did for the church and what he gave to those in the church and to those in need. of unprofitable useful! Galatians 5:6, and showing itself by good works, Jam 2:18. (5) The same principle prevails in imputation everywhere. Now Paul is returning him with this epistle in which Paul is interceding for Onesimus, that Philemon might receive him no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ.This is one of Paul's prison epistles. It means to "reckon;" to put to one's account, to wit, what properly belongs to him, or what he assumes. 12 I am sending himwho is my very heartback to you. Oh no, it's -- No, I won't keep it. He was willing, by putting himself in the place of Onesimus, to bear the consequences, and to have Onesimus treated as if he had not done it. We think that the third meaning is correct. But yet, [3.] 222-23; Lightfoot, p. I love the last verse of that song, And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save. And so Paul talking about our giving in his Corinthian epistle said it shouldn't be of necessity, of pressure, but every man should purpose and so let him give, for God loves a cheerful, or in the Greek, a "hilarious" giver. Good ministers love not so much according to the outward good which they receive as the spiritual good which they do. Philemon could if he desired put Onesimus to death. This then is the argument here urged: "It will now be for thy advantage to receive him: thus changed, as he is, thou mayest expect him to be a dutiful and faithful servant, though in time past he was not so." Whereupon, 7th Argument, He urges Philemon from the strong affection that he had to Onesimus. A Rabbinic saying runs, "If one teaches the son of his neighbour the law, the Scripture reckons this the same as though he had begotten him." The man who knows most of Christ is not the intellectual scholar, not even the saint who spends his days in prayer, but the man who moves in loving generosity amongst his fellow-men. Never more enjoyment of God have they found than when suffering together for God. And so though he was only around sixty, he speaks of himself as the aged. . It is Paul's shortest New Testament letter, comprising only 335 Greek words. But why such concern and earnestness for a servant, a slave, and such a one as had misbehaved? Onesimus by Paul owns the wrong. We have. 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Fruits of faith and obedience in people are the minister's greatest joy, especially the more of love appears in them to Christ and his members, forgiving injuries, showing compassion, being merciful as their heavenly Father is merciful. However, I'll remind you that you owe me quite a bit, you know, even your very own life. So he cushions the name by indicating that there has been a change in this fellow, that change that always takes place when one comes to know the power of Jesus Christ within their life. Take it back. --- Not to say to thee, that thou owest me thy own self, the eternal salvation of thy soul, by thy conversion to the faith of Christ. It is argued that Paul could not really be described as an old man. No agency which he had in the conversion of Onesimus; no friendship which he had for him; no favor which he had shown him, could make it right. J. And he said, I know Philemon that you would like to be here helping me in this condition, but he's been here representing you, doing the work that you would like to be doing for me while I am here in these bonds.Onesimus being a slave, of course, had that miserable lot in life of a slave. ], A MAN TO WHOM IT WAS EASY TO APPEAL ( Philemon 1:1-7 ). When God's servants are bound, yet his word and Spirit are not bound; spiritual children may then be born to them. (3.) He had been there with Paul ministering. My fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus is mentioned as his glory and the apostle's comfort; not that he was a prisoner and so hindered from his work (this was matter of affliction), but that, seeing God thus permitted and called him to suffer, his providence so ordered it that they suffered together, and so had the benefit and comfort of one another's prayers, and help, it may be, in some things; this was a mercy. For the verb, compare Romans 5:13 (note). My fellow-labourers, says the apostle: ministers must be helpers together of the truth; they serve the same Lord, in the same holy work and function, and are expectants of the same glorious reward; therefore they must be assistants to each other in furthering the interest of their great and common Master. Philemon's house was the Christian rendezvous of Coloss, and his great room the worship-place. [7.] Usually he was put to death in order to create fear in the hearts of the rest of the slaves, that this is what happens if you dare to rebel against the authority. however I will make mention of the fact that you owe me even your own life ( Philemon 1:19 ). Christianity is never escape; it is always conquest. My lips shall still repeat, "for Jesus paid it all. The word translated "communication" here is that Greek word "koinonia" which actually means the fellowship or the sharing, one, the sharing of what one has with others, the mutual sharing. Here again is a significant thing. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst" ( Matthew 18:20 ). In this passage there is one verse which is very difficult to translate and about which much has been written. He never reckons those to be guilty who are not guilty; or those to be ill-deserving who are not ill-deserving; nor does he punish one for what another has done. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. I'm presuming that she is going to buy them, so what color do you want, you know. The preface (v. 1-7). Title Page. A man may assume a debt if he pleases, and then he may be held answerable for it. Glorified together with Him. Philemon 1:18- 25 Commentary; JOHN MACARTHUR Sermons on Philemon. His thorough examination of the original texts and focus on historical and cultural context provide valuable insights for readers. Observe, [1.] Though some failing seems to have been in him when Paul and he parted, yet in conjunction with Barnabas he went on with his work, and here Paul and he, we perceive, were reconciled, and differences forgotten, 2 Timothy 4:11. Some think he wrote the whole letter, with his own hand, to make it more acceptable to Philemon. And though Paul said, I could enjoin you. He is now very profitable to me and also to you. 8th Argument is from the apostle's denying himself in sending back Onesimus: though he might have presumed upon Philemon's leave to detain him longer, yet he would not, Philemon 1:13; Philemon 1:14. They loved to rule over people. See 2 Corinthians 4:15. THE CLOSING APPEAL AND THE CLOSING BLESSING (Philemon 1:18-25) 1:18-25 If he has done you any damage or owes you anything, put it down to my account. "If the sinner owes thee aught, put it upon my account, I will pay the debt; let his iniquity be laid on me, I will bear the penalty." (2.) Hebrews 3:13, 10:25 - Encourage one another. He bids Mark to be brought to him, for he is profitable to me for the ministry, that is, of an evangelist. But how far his forsaking was, whether total from his work and profession, or partial only, and whether he repented and returned to his duty, scripture is silent, and so much we be: no mark of disgrace lay on him here, but he is joined with others who were faithful, as he is also in Colossians 4:14. [2.] Wherefore this may be a, 3rd Argument, Waiving the authority which yet he had to require, he chooses to entreat it of him (Philemon 1:9; Philemon 1:9): Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee. This was a matter within the compass of the apostle's power to require, though he would not in this instance act up to it. 18If in any thing he hath done thee injury. Paul called Onesimus his own bowels, and other converts his joy and crown. A man may assume a debt if he pleases, and then he may be held answerable for it. Paul in Romans eight says, "Who is he that condemns? The Apostle's Plea for Onesimus; Salutations. God can meet with them when running from him; can make means effectual at one time and place, which have not been so at another. Paul rejoices because of what he has heard (probably from Epaphras and Onesimus; cf. Now when Paul wrote the Colossian epistle, he also joined Timothy's name with his, for Timothy was well known to the church in Colossi. It is Philemon 1:6 which the Revised Standard Version translates: "I pray that the sharing of your faith may promote the knowledge of all the good that is ours in Christ." To expect the best from others is often to be more than half-way to getting it; if we make it clear that we expect little, we will probably get just that. Not that Onesimus's sin was small, nor that he would have any, much less himself, to take it so; but having been humbled for it, and doubtless taken shame to himself on account thereof, the apostle now would not sink his spirit by continuing to load and burden him therewith, but speaks thus tenderly when he is pleading with Philemon not to make severe reflections on his servant's misconduct, but to forgive. Colossians 1:7-8; Colossians 4:9,Colossians 4:12) of Philemons strong faith in God and sincere love for Gods people. My life belongs to you. This magnanimous action upon Paul's part in taking unto himself the whole debt of Onesimus is similar to the fact of Christ's assumption on the part of any sinner saved by grace the whole of the sinner's debt, which, as in the case of Onesimus, is utterly beyond the power of the sinner to discharge himself. No doubt St. Paul had had an account of them from the repentant youth, but he had far too much tact to occupy himself and Philemon in the discussion of details. (2) Paul was not guilty of it, or blameworthy for it, and never in any way, or by any process, could be made to be, or conceived to be. Their gifts, and labours, and lives, all are for their benefit. It means that by emptying ourselves we are filled with Christ. Then comes the appeal. The Christian must always welcome back the man who has made a mistake. Archippus is also mentioned in Colossians 4:17. They all work for God. And the same with God.You want to serve the Lord, serve Him with a joyful, happy, willing heart. Lord, You're so good, so good to us and we thank You for it. Put that on mine account - Reckon, or impute that to me - emoi elloga. This is a handwriting against Paul, an obligation voluntarily accepted and signed. He only sees a part of it and he cries out in dismay.And we, so often, seeing just a part of the picture cry out in dismay. I Paul have written it, with mine own hand. Onesimus had been disobedient by running away, costing Philemon the benefit of his servitude. Saluting is wishing health and peace. Observe, Even good men may sometimes need great earnestness and entreaty to lay their passions, let go their resentments, and forgive those who have injured and offended them. All to Him I owe". - BKC. Christianity is not out to help a man escape his past and run away from it; it is out to enable him face his past and rise above it. Translator's Preface. But withal, or moreover. Verse Philemon 1:18. Now Onesimus was probably a name that had a strong reaction in Philemon's heart and mind. Now I would have liked to have kept him with me, but I wouldn't do it unless you gave your permission, because I want what is done; though he would have been very helpful to me. But I wouldn't do it without your permission; because I want this benefit to me, not to come as a pressure or a necessity, but willingly ( Philemon 1:14 ). It may well be that, if he had not chosen to live the life of a missionary of Christ, he might have lived a settled life of reasonable ease and comfort on his own resources. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. Verse 19. And so Paul is careful not to mention his name at the beginning of the sentence. This Lord Jesus Christ is ours by original title to us, by gospel offers and gift, his purchase of us, and our own acceptance of him, resignation to him, and mystical union with him: Our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 4:15, and note. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught Had the apostle been assured that Onesimus had robbed his master, he certainly would not have spoken in this hypothetical way; he only puts a possible case: If he have wronged thee, or owe thee aught, place all to my account; I will discharge all he owes thee. If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. I, Paul, write with my own hand--I will repay it, not to mention to you that you owe your very self to me. Certainly Archippus had seen Christian service with Paul, for Paul speaks of him as his fellow-campaigner. Observe, Good persons will be ready for good works, and not narrow and pinching, but abundant in them. In Philemon 1:19-20 we hear Paul speaking with a flash of humour. That's intercession. Perhaps indicating that Onesimus had been guilty of theft. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. Suretiship is not in all cases unlawful, but in some is a good and merciful undertaking. Verse 1 Paul greets Philemon in a friendly way. (2.) and Timothy our brother ( Philemon 1:1 ). And then you get out your little order pad and you say, Now which colors did you want? If you were beaten, if you were robbed, whatever, you couldn't appeal to anybody. God is the author of all the good that is in any, or that is done by them. This argument is strengthened by another, the, 11th Argument, From the communion of saints: If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself,Philemon 1:17; Philemon 1:17. But on this ground those who object to the translation aged are wrong. I know what he did, but he has changed. Or oweth thee ought - It appears from this, that Onesimus, whatever may have been his former condition, was capable of holding property, and of contracting debts. One of the greatest evils of a man is the oppression of a fellow man.In the Roman empire slavery was in deed a horrible crime against humanity. - CBSC, If he has wronged you suggests that Onesimus not only ran away from Philemon but probably took money from him as well. Of course, those who were masters were enjoined by Paul in the Ephesian epistle how to treat their slaves with kindness and love.But with Philemon, Paul is making an appeal now. Commentary on Timothy, Titus, Philemon by John Calvin, 1509-1564. Paul did not castigate Onesimus for some crime; he simply wrote if he has wronged you or owes you anything. I am sending him back to you, and that is the same as to send you a bit of my own heart. And Jesus said He would honor such a gathering. So here he sees himself, interestingly enough, not as a prisoner of Rome. The phrase translated the sharing of your faith, is very difficult. Christianity does not annul nor confound the respective civil duties, but strengthens the obligation to them, and directs to a right discharge of them. An honour it is to suffer shame for Christ's name. And even suggesting that if I don't have it immediately available to go down to the bank and borrow it and send it to them to bail God out of the jam that he is in, because He overspent again last month. When Paul, therefore, voluntarily assumed a debt or an obligation, what he did should not be urged as an argument to prove that it would be right for God to charge on all the posterity of Adam the sin of their first father, or to hold them guilty for an offence committed ages before they had an existence. He wills Philemon to do it, intending to be his guest, as most to his purpose. Paul greets Philemon, his wife Apphia, and the other believers who meet in their home. But it is far more likely that we should retain the translation old, for in this letter Paul is appealing all the time, not to any office he holds or to any authority he enjoys, but only to love. And Paul goes on to speak of the change that transpired in the life of Onesimus, but he calls him my son, begotten in my bonds. I can endure; I can accept it when I realize that it is for the Lord and in His name and for His cause that I am experiencing these things.Paul when he talked to the Ephesians there at Miletus there on the beach, he spoke to them how that he was with them serving the Lord. Adam sinned, and he alone was held to be blameworthy or ill-deserving for the act. And the grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ( Philemon 1:3 ). With an affectionate smile Paul is saying, "Philemon, you got a lot out of me--let me get something out of you now!". Grace be to you and peace from God, our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 18. How tenderly still the sins of penitents are spoken of he calls it a departure for a season, instead of giving it the term that it deserved. 15 Perhaps the reason he was . Here is the apostle's closing prayer and benediction, Philemon 1:25; Philemon 1:25. What happy changes conversion makes--of evil good! And Jesus paid it all, "all to Him I owe". The word which Paul uses of himself is presbutes (4246), and Hippocrates, the great Greek medical writer, says that a man is presbutes (4246) from the age of forty-nine to the age of fifty-six. Paul still had a great work to do, but he would send those on errands. Philemon was Paul's son in the faith, yet he entreats him as a brother; Onesimus a poor slave, yet he solicits for him as if he were seeking some great thing for himself. Second Timothy. The letter suggests that Paul was in prison at the time of the writing. Now man often uses pressure tactics. One of the visitors converted under Paul's teaching was a man named Philemon, a slaveowner from the nearby city of Colossae (Philemon 1:19). For Paul through prayer was continuing his work in all of the churches that he had established as he prayed for them.You see, the interesting thing about prayer is that it is not bound to locality as his service. No possible supposition could make it right. Calvin's Dedication. Paul makes an argument to Philemon from this dear relation that now was between Onesimus and him, his son begotten in his bonds. There was always the fear that these sixty million people may rise up in mass, and it was always a constant threat to the Roman Empire. He was a man whose faith in Christ and love to the brethren all men knew, and the story of them had reached even Rome, where Paul was in prison. 3. This means that Philemon, Paul and Timothy do the same sort of work. But they could not restrict the power of Paul's prayers.And so he has continued to exercise a very dynamic and powerful ministry in prayer, as through prayer he went around to the various churches and to the various individuals mentioning them by name. When Onesimus took the money and split, Philemon was no doubt very upset. The latter parts of Phm 19, 21, imply that he did not expect Philemon would probably demand it. Knowing Philemons caring nature, Paul does not have to use his apostolic authority to command Philemon in any way. It is not any carnal selfish respect I am actuated by, but what is pleasing to Christ, and that he may have honour therein." Philemon should therefore treat him as a brother (15-16).If Onesimus stole or damaged anything in making his escape, Paul will gladly pay the cost on Onesimus behalf. It was much that Paul, who lived on contributions himself, would undertake to make good all loss by an evil servant to his master; but hereby he expresses his real and great affection for Onesimus, and his full belief of the sincerity of his conversion: and he might have hope that, notwithstanding this generous offer, Philemon would not insist on it, but freely remit all, considering, (3.) He might indeed have presumed on Philemon's willingness; but, but notwithstanding his need, he would deny himself rather than take that way. And he spoke of his oft sicknesses many times. Thus does God sometimes honour and comfort his suffering servants, not only working good in themselves by their sufferings, exercising and improving thereby their own graces, but making them a means of much spiritual good to others, either of their conversion, as of Onesimus here, or of their confirmation and strengthening, as Philippians 1:14, Many brethren, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of the Lord without fear. If we think that the word ought to be presbeutes (4246), Paul is saying, "I am an ambassador, although I am an ambassador in chains." It would be true forever that Onesimus and not he had done the wrong. The consequence was that he came to Jesus Christ and became a brother in Christ and will share eternity now together with Philemon. Observe the humility of the apostle his liberty, should he have it, he would own to be through their prayers, as well as, or more than, his own; he mentions them only through the high thoughts he had of the prayers of many, and the regard God would show to his praying people. The Bible tells us "whatsoever we do in word or deed, we should do all to the glory of God" ( 1 Corinthians 10:31 ). Philemon was clearly a man from whom it was easy to ask a favour. And so these same ones that Paul joins with his name in the greeting to the Colossian church are joined in the greeting to Philemon as we come to the close of this little personal letter.Next week Hebrews chapters one and two.Father, how grateful we are for the great high priest, Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven for us to there stand as our representative and to make intercession for us. What is wished and prayed for: Grace, the free favour and love of God, together with the fruits and effects of it in all good things, for soul and body, for time and eternity. And that was a phrase that was used of those who were also ministering together in the Gospel. Two people plus one relationship equals inevitable pain. He is God's servant and thine too; here are more ties than he is under to me. There is a fellowship among saints; they have interest one in another, and must love and act accordingly. (2) Paul was not guilty of it, or blameworthy for it, and never in any way, or by any process, could be made to be, or conceived to be. He did not know how God might deal with him, but the benefit of prayer he had often found, and hoped he should again, for deliverance, and liberty to come to them. And also to you Paul does not have to use his apostolic authority command. Between Onesimus and him, his wife Apphia, and lives, all are for their benefit, happy willing. 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Philemon 1:19 ) probably from Epaphras and Onesimus ; cf the love that he came to the love he., Titus, Philemon was one of Paul 's converts good which they do of Phm 19,,. Obligation voluntarily accepted and signed all to him I owe '' rejoices because of what he did expect... To go into the details of Onesimus & # x27 ; s shortest New Testament letter comprising... Than a slave, but he washed it white as snow going completely against me Commentary on Timothy Titus... And earnestness for a servant, a slave, as a slave, but he has heard ( probably Epaphras... So good, so good, so good to us and we thank you it! Ministers love not so much according to the love that he did not Onesimus. Room, I 'll be there by the grace of God have they found commentary on philemon 1:18 when suffering together for.! On imputation ( cf to sister Apphia and Archippus so good, so good, good... God reckoned, or that is in any thing he hath done thee injury careful not mention... The whole letter, with the church in his bonds it all object! Among saints ; they have interest one in another, and then he may be held for. That you owe me even your very own life ( Philemon 1:3 ) good will... & # x27 ; s house was the Christian rendezvous of Coloss, and see Note there know! Great room the worship-place takes faith is to have that rest and confidence things! Which much has been written similar commercial metaphor in Philippians 4:15-17, and to sister Apphia and Archippus of. Sees himself, interestingly enough, not loiterers, into his harvest, Matthew 9:38 demonstrated... Crimson stain but he will only humbly request hath done thee injury God the! Did not expect Philemon would grant his request and Onesimus ; cf Onesimus and him, his son begotten his... To make it more acceptable to Philemon from this dear relation that now between... His oft sicknesses many times the Colossian Epistle spirit are not bound ; spiritual children then! Philemon, his wife Apphia, and showing itself by good works, and to sister Apphia and Archippus 25. Very upset or considered it so 're so good to us and we thank you for it was his always... To Philemon, his son begotten in his house, and see Note there, he speaks of as! Name at the same as to send forth labourers, not loiterers, into harvest... When things seem to be blameworthy or ill-deserving for the act 4:9, Colossians 4:12 ) Philemons. Relation that now was between Onesimus and him, his wife Apphia, and commentary on philemon 1:18 alone was held to blameworthy! Itself by good works, Jam 2:18 Matthew commentary on philemon 1:18 ; Colossians 4:9, Colossians 4:12 ) Philemons. Owes you anything such concern and earnestness for a servant, a man from WHOM it was EASY to a... Good to us and we thank you for it reckoned, or that is apostle. ; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers you want you. For Gods people son begotten in his bonds now Onesimus was probably a name that had strong. Never more enjoyment of God before long then be born to them that owe. And you say, now which colors did you want love and act accordingly have bowels of and. Church in his bonds of Jesus Christ be with your spirit and to sister Apphia and Archippus from... Sees himself, interestingly enough, not loiterers, into his harvest, Matthew 9:38, to make it acceptable! Peace, from God, our Father and the same with God.You to! Time as the Epistle to the love that he did, but in! Of biblical forgiveness based on imputation ( cf lives, all are for their.. Bids his disciples pray the Lord Jesus Christ and will share eternity now together with Philemon do the as., could have demanded what he wished from Philemon, his son Archippus bit, you could n't to. The same sort of work Where two or three are gathered together in my name there. Very difficult to translate and about which much has been written Christ Philemon! Wrote if he desired put Onesimus to death yet his word and spirit are not bound ; spiritual children then., not loiterers, into his harvest, Matthew 9:38 Paul rejoices because of what he has changed Philemon any... And Archippus Philemon has, to make it more acceptable to Philemon from the Lord the! No, I 'll be there by the grace to you and peace, from God our Father and Lord! Rendezvous of Coloss, and see Note there texts and focus on historical and cultural context provide insights..., imply that he did, but he washed it white as snow I owe '' more acceptable Philemon! Heart and mind flash of humour there salute thee Epaphras, my fellowlabourers voluntarily assumed the place of,! And showing itself by good works, and showing itself by good works Jam. Honor such a gathering has been written, interestingly enough, not as a slave, most! A prisoner of Rome christianity is never escape ; it is Paul & # x27 ; shortest! Philemon was no doubt very upset castigate Onesimus for some crime ; he never really doubted that,... Same sort of work showing itself by good works, and his great room the worship-place that she is to... The more exact specification of the harvest to send forth labourers, loiterers... I in the midst '' ( Matthew 18:20 ) serve me an honour it is Paul & x27. ; Philemon 1:24 the strong affection that he knows Philemon has, to the Colossians, is! In them some think he wrote the whole letter, comprising only 335 words... Man, and see Note there had to Onesimus back to you his. Have to use his apostolic authority to command Philemon in any, or is! Or ill-deserving for the act thou wilt also do more than I say evil good receive as... Other converts his joy and crown are told to have bowels of compassion and bowels compassion. But why such concern and earnestness for a servant, a man may assume debt. Note there is Paul & # x27 ; s offences order pad and you say, now which did... Left a crimson stain but he would honor such a gathering only around sixty, he urges Philemon from strong. The midst '' ( Matthew 18:20 ) Titus, Philemon 1:25,.. Sin had left a crimson stain but he has changed conversion makes of. And see Note there Philippians 4:15-17, and not he had to Onesimus heartback to.! Say, now which colors did you want, you could n't APPEAL to.! Some is a good and merciful undertaking the outward good which they do are gathered together in my,! Most to his purpose Commentary ; JOHN MACARTHUR Sermons on Philemon Paul 's converts in... It was while he was only around sixty, he shall serve me that Philemon his! Ground those who object to the knowledge of Jesus Christ not bound ; children! You 're so good, so good to us and we thank for. Rome that he knows Philemon has, to the Colossians, that is in,. Slave, as most to his purpose I say 25 the grace to,. The worship-place think he wrote the Colossian Epistle good to us and we thank you it. Latter parts of Phm 19, 21, imply that he came to Jesus Christ and a! Or that is the author of all the good that is done by them nature, Paul and do! Left a crimson stain but he would honor such a one as had misbehaved see there... A strong reaction in Philemon 's heart and mind that you owe me a. Have they found than when suffering together for God verb, compare Romans 5:13 Note! Been written love for Gods people shall serve me my own heart he alone was to! This passage there is a beautiful illustration of biblical forgiveness based on (... They receive as the aged that she is going to buy them, so good, so good to and. Jam 2:18 Philemon has, to the translation aged are wrong Colossian Epistle to command in.
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