Reference: Philemon, Epistle To
Easton
was written from Rome at the same time as the epistles to the Colossians and Ephesians, and was sent also by Onesimus. It was addressed to Philemon and the members of his family.
It was written for the purpose of interceding for Onesimus (q.v.), who had deserted his master Philemon and been "unprofitable" to him. Paul had found Onesimus at Rome, and had there been instrumental in his conversion, and now he sends him back to his master with this letter.
This epistle has the character of a strictly private letter, and is the only one of such epistles preserved to us. "It exhibits the apostle in a new light. He throws off as far as possible his apostolic dignity and his fatherly authority over his converts. He speaks simply as Christian to Christian. He speaks, therefore, with that peculiar grace of humility and courtesy which has, under the reign of Christianity, developed the spirit of chivalry and what is called 'the character of a gentleman,' certainly very little known in the old Greek and Roman civilization" (Dr. Barry). (See Slave.)
Hastings
PHILEMON, EPISTLE TO.
1. Occasion and contents.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Were you called while a slave? It should not be a concern to you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity. For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ's slave. read more. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each person should remain with God in whatever situation he was called.
For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles-
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received,
For know and recognize this: no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things God's wrath is coming on the disobedient. read more. Therefore, do not become their partners. For you were once darkness, but now [you are] light in the Lord. walk as children of light- for the fruit of the light [results] in all goodness, righteousness, and truth-
For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.
It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel.
What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
Slaves, obey your human masters in everything; don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but [work] wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.
Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah-for which I am in prison-
Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.
He is with Onesimus, a faithful and loved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
This greeting is in my own hand-Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
This greeting is in my own hand-Paul. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother: To Philemon, our dear friend and co-worker,
I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. read more. [I pray] that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for [the glory of] Christ. For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, I appeal, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus,
I appeal, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus,
I appeal, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, appeal to you for my child, whom I fathered while in chains-Onesimus.
appeal to you for my child, whom I fathered while in chains-Onesimus. Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful to both you and me.
Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful to both you and me. I am sending him-a part of myself-back to you.
I am sending him-a part of myself-back to you. I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.
I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.
I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will.
But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, read more. no longer as a slave, but more than a slave-as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave-as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me.
I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it-not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self.
I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it-not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self. Yes, brother, may I have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.
Yes, brother, may I have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.
But meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.