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 being a slave? be not perplex'd about it; but if you can obtain your freedom, don't refuse it. for the slave that turns christian, is the Lord's freedman: likewise, the freeman that becomes a convert is Christ's servant. read more. have you been redeemed from slavery? then, don't turn slaves. brethren, let every man conscientiously continue in the state he was in when he was converted.
This it is that makes me Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ upon your account, O Gentiles;
I therefore the prisoner for the Lord, beseech you to live suitably to the offers that have been made to you:
for this you know, that no licentious or dissolute person, no lewd libertine, that is, an idolater, hath any part in the kingdom of Christ, and of God. let no man mislead you by vain reasonings: for it is for these vices, that the wrath of God lights upon the incredulous. read more. don't you therefore be concern'd with them. you were heretofore altogether in the dark, but now being enlightned by the Lord, behave as children of light: for the natural effect of light, is universal benevolence, justice, and truth:
for which I am an embassador, tho' in chains: that I may duely represent it to the full.
I should have this opinion of you, being sensible you make the dispensation I am under a common concern, with respect to my confinement, and the defence and confirmation of the gospel.
is it not however some advantage? since in either way, whether it be occasionally, or professedly, Christ is preach'd; which is now, and always will be matter of joy to me.
servants, be entirely obedient to those, whom the laws have made your masters, and not meerly out of regard to their observation, as designing only to please men, but from a principle of integrity, as fearing God:
as for you, masters, give to your servants what is just and suitable: considering that you also have a master in heaven.
put up your requests likewise for me, that God would give me an opportunity to declare the mystery of Christ (for which I am even in bonds:)
let an air of modesty appear in all your discourse; and let it be seasoned with discretion, in making a proper reply, when you are call'd into question.
I have sent him with Onesimus a faithful and beloved brother, who is of your city: they will inform you of what passes here.
have received from the Lord. I Paul salute you, and this salutation I write with my own hand. remember my bonds. grace be with you. AMEN.
have received from the Lord. I Paul salute you, and this salutation I write with my own hand. remember my bonds. grace be with you. AMEN.
Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer,
I mention you always in my prayers, and thank my God for the account I have of your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love you bear to all the saints; read more. so that the christian faith, which you have in common with us, displays itself to the observation of all good men about you. for your liberality, my brother, affected us with great joy and comfort, by your having refresh'd the bowels of the saints. Wherefore, tho' I have a right by virtue of my character, to prescribe what is fit: I had rather apply to your benevolent temper, and desire you would regard the years of Paul, who am now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ,
I had rather apply to your benevolent temper, and desire you would regard the years of Paul, who am now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ,
I had rather apply to your benevolent temper, and desire you would regard the years of Paul, who am now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and intercede with you for my son Onesimus, whom I made a convert whilst I was in chains.
and intercede with you for my son Onesimus, whom I made a convert whilst I was in chains.
and intercede with you for my son Onesimus, whom I made a convert whilst I was in chains. 'tis true he was formerly useless to you, but now he will be useful to us both:
'tis true he was formerly useless to you, but now he will be useful to us both: I have sent him back, therefore receive him as one that I tenderly love.
I have sent him back, therefore receive him as one that I tenderly love. I would have kept him with me, to assist me in your stead during my confinement for the gospel.
I would have kept him with me, to assist me in your stead during my confinement for the gospel.
I would have kept him with me, to assist me in your stead during my confinement for the gospel. but I would not do any thing without your consent; that your benefaction might not appear any ways forc'd, but perfectly voluntary.
but I would not do any thing without your consent; that your benefaction might not appear any ways forc'd, but perfectly voluntary. perhaps he quitted you for a while, to be yours for ever after: read more. not as a slave, but in another quality, as a dear brother whom I particularly value, but much more should you, both as he is your servant, and as he is a christian.
not as a slave, but in another quality, as a dear brother whom I particularly value, but much more should you, both as he is your servant, and as he is a christian. I beg you therefore by the common ties of friendship to receive him as you would myself.
I beg you therefore by the common ties of friendship to receive him as you would myself.
I Paul give it under my own hand, I will repay it; not to say, that you owe your very self to me.
I Paul give it under my own hand, I will repay it; not to say, that you owe your very self to me. for the Lord's sake, brother, let me have this satisfaction: refresh my heart for his sake.
for the Lord's sake, brother, let me have this satisfaction: refresh my heart for his sake. I writ this upon the presumption of your compliance, being persuaded that you will even do more than I mention.
I writ this upon the presumption of your compliance, being persuaded that you will even do more than I mention. pray at the same time prepare me a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.
pray at the same time prepare me a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.