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
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it; but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's free-man: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. read more. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man in the state in which he is called, continue in it with God.
For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation by which ye are called,
For this ye know, that no lewd, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. read more. Be ye not therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light; (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth;)
For which I am an embassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
At the same time praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are done here.
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer,
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all saints; read more. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient. Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel: But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever; read more. Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to thee that thou owest to me even thy own self besides.
I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to thee that thou owest to me even thy own self besides. Yes, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Yes, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.