This book has only one chapter
| Text | Comments |
| 1 ¶ Paul, a prisoner of Jesus
Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and
fellowlabourer,
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
2 - Church in thy house Insight into church facilities. The Greek ekklesia means assembly or church. |
| 4 I thank my God, making mention
of thee always in my prayers,
5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. |
Kind words to Philemon |
| 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. 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. 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? |
10
- Onesimus The name means "useful" although a different word
from the one used in the next verse. Onesimus was a runaway slave.
11 - Profitable Or "useful." 16 - Not ... servant [slave] Great advice for slave owners. We see that Paul is really not supporting the practice. |
| 17 If thou count me therefore
a partner, receive him as myself.
18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. |
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| 23 There salute thee Epaphras,
my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
.24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. <<Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.>> |
24 - Demas Here we see him as a co-worker. In co0414 he is mentioned among those sending greetings. Finally, in 2ti0410 he has turned back to the world – a pattern we must pray for determination and grace to resist. |
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