NOTES

ST. PAUL'S EPISTLE TO PHILEMON.

Onesimus, a servant to Philemon, an eminent person in Colosse,

ran away from his master to Rome. Here he was converted to

Christianity by St. Paul, who sent him back to his master with

this letter. It seems, Philemon not only pardoned, but gave him

his liberty; seeing Ignatius makes mention of him, as succeeding

Timotheus at Ephesus.

The letter has three parts

I. The inscription,................................ 1-3

II. After commending Philemon's faith and love,.... 4-7

He desires him to receive Onesimus again,.... 8-21

And to prepare a lodging for himself,.......... 22

III. The conclusion,............................. 23-23

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Verse 1. 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

epistle to Timothy, # Phm 22.

Verse 2. To Apphia-His wife, to whom also the business in part

belonged. And the church in thy house-The Christians who meet

there.

Verse 5. Hearing-Probably from Onesimus.

Verse 6. 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.

Verse 7. The saints-To whom Philemon's house was open,

# Phm 2.

Verse 8. I might be bold in Christ-Through the authority he

hath given me.

Verse 9. 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,

does he call Onesimus his son, before he names his name! And

as soon as he had mentioned it, with what fine address does

he just touch on his former faults, and instantly pass on to the

happy change that was now made upon him! So disposing Philemon

to attend to his request, and the motives wherewith he was going

to enforce it.

Verse 10. Whom I have begotten in my bonds-The son of my age.

Verse 11. 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.

Verse 12. 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.

Verse 13. To serve me in thy stead-To do those services for me

which thou, if present, wouldest gladly have done thyself.

Verse 14. That thy benefit might not be by constraint-For

Philemon could not have refused it.

Verse 15. 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.

Verse 16. In the flesh-As a dutiful servant. In the Lord

-As a fellow-Christian.

Verse 17. If thou accountest me a partner-So that thy things

are mine, and mine are thine.

Verse 19. 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.

Verse 20. Refresh my bowels in Christ-Give me the most

exquisite and Christian pleasure.

Verse 22. Given to you-Restored to liberty.

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