Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
14. mind ] Properly, “ opinion,” decision. Latin Versions, consilium.
would I do nothing ] Lit., “ nothing I willed to do ” The A. V. represents the idiom rightly.
that thy benefit ] The primary reason, doubtless, was that it was Onesimus’ duty to return, and Paul’s to give him up. But this delicate subsidiary motive was not less real.
“ Thy benefit ” : lit., “ thy good,” thy kindness. The reference seems to be to Philemon’s general kindness to his friend, of which the permission to Onesimus to stay would have been an instance. So Ellicott.
not as it were of necessity, but willingly ] It might seem that he almost suggests to Philemon to send Onesimus back to him. But this is not likely in itself, in view of the long and costly journey involved; and besides, he looks forward to visit Coloss himself before long (Phm 1:22). What he means is that he sends back Onesimus, because to retain him would be to get a benefit from Philemon willing or not, and Philemon’s “good” had always been willingly given.
“ As it were ” softens the “ of necessity ” ; Philemon might not be unwilling, but there would be the look of his being so.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But without thy mind would I do nothing – Nothing in the matter referred to. He would not retain Onesimus in his service, much as he needed his assistance, without the cordial consent of Philemon. He would not give him occasion for hard feeling or complaint, as if Paul had induced him to leave his master, or as if he persuaded him to remain with him when he wished to return – or as if he kept him away from him when he owed him or had wronged him. All that is said here is entirely consistent with the supposition that Onesimus was disposed to return to his master, and with the supposition that Paul did not compel or urge him to do it. For it is probable that if Onesimus had proposed to return, it would have been easy for Paul to have retained him with him. He might have represented his own want of a friend. He might have appealed to his gratitude on account of his efforts for his conversion.
He might have shown him that he was under no moral obligation to go back. He might have refused to give him this letter, and might have so represented to him the dangers of the way, and the probability of a harsh reception, as effectually to have dissuaded him from such a purpose. But, in that case, it is clear that this might have caused hard feeling in the bosom of Philemon, and rather than do that he preferred to let him return to his master, and to plead for him that he might have a kind reception. It is, therefore, by no means necessary to suppose that Paul felt that Onesimus was under obligation to return, or that he was disposed to compel him, or that Onesimus was not inclined to return voluntarily; but all the cirumstances of the case are met by the supposition that, if Paul retained him, Philemon might conceive that he had injured him. Suppose, as seems to have been the case, that Onesimus owed Philemon Phm 1:18, and then suppose that Paul had chosen to retain him with himself, and had dissuaded him from returning to him, would not Philemon have had reason to complain of it?
There was, therefore, on every account, great propriety in his saying that he did not wish to use any influence over him to retain him with him when he purposed to return to Colosse, and that he felt that it would be wrong for him to keep him, much as he needed him, without the consent of Philemon. Nor is it necessary, by what is said here, to suppose that Onesimus was a slave, and that Paul believed that Philemon had a right to him and to his services as such. All that he says here would be met by the supposition that he was a hired servant, and would be in fact equally proper even on the supposition that he was an apprentice. In either case, he would feel that he gave just ground of complaint on the part of Philemon if, when Onesimus desired to return, he used any influence to dissuade him from it, and to retain him with himself. It would have been a violation of the rule requiring us to do to others as we would wish them to do unto us, and Paul therefore felt unwilling, much as he needed the services of Onesimus, to make use of any influence to retain him with him without the consent of his master.
That thy benefit – The favor which I might receive from thee by having the services of Onesimus. If Onesimus should remain with him and assist him, he would feel that the benefit which would be conferred by his services would be in fact bestowed by Philemon, for he had a right to the service of Onesimus, and, while Paul enjoyed it, he would be deprived of it. The word rendered benefit here – agathon – means good, and the sense is, the good which you would do me; to wit, by the service of Onesimus.
Should not be as it were of necessity – As it would be it Paul should detain Onesimus with him without affording Philemon an opportunity of expressing his assent. Paul would even then have felt that he was in fact receiving a good at the expense of Philemon, but it would not be a voluntary favor on his part.
But willingly – As it would be if he had given his consent that Onesimus should remain with him.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Phm 1:14
Without thy mind would I do nothing–This final resolution was, no doubt, the result of several motives.
1. To harbour and detain a slave, who applied to him to become a precator, beyond a limited period, would have been distinctly to violate the Roman law.
2. The apostle might have seemed to inflict a pecuniary loss upon Philemon by depriving him of a chattel personal, and morally constraining him to put up with the loss by imposing a severe strain upon the bonds of friendship.
3. Onesimus, in the depth and reality of his repentance, saw the duty of returning. What truer piece of restitution was ever made?
4. St. Paul was peculiarly sensitive as to the scandal which the Church might occasion, if slaves received encouragement to become fugitives. See Col 3:22; 1Ti 6:1. (Bp. Wm. Alexander.)
Servants not to be detained from their masters
Servants must not be detained without their masters liking. Eustathius, Bishop of Armenia, was deposed from his see because under a colour of piety he had taken servants from their masters. (W. Jones, D. D.)
Willingly—
Voluntary virtue
Jerome from this passage justly deduces as a conclusion that St. Paul held the principle that nothing in moral action is good which is not voluntary. He applies it to the solution of the question which has been so often asked–Why God did not make men absolutely good? God might have made man good without mans will. But, had He done so, the good would not have been voluntary, but necessary. But what is necessarily good is not good in the highest sense, and is even relatively and in another point of view evil. Therefore, in leaving us to our own free will, He made us more truly after His image and likeness.
Freedom essential to virtue
Freedom is essential to virtue. If a man could not help it there is neither praise nor blame due. That freedom Christianity honours and respects. So in reference to the offer of the gospel blessings, men are not forced to accept them, but appealed to, and can turn deaf ears to the pleading voice, Why will ye die? Sorrows and sins and miseries without end continue, and the gospel is rejected, and lives of wretched godlessness lived, and a dark future pulled down on the rejecters heads, and all because God knows that these things are better than that men should be forced into goodness, which indeed would cease to be goodness if they were. For nothing is good but the free turning of the will to goodness, and nothing bad but its aversion therefrom. The same solemn regard for the freedom of the individual and low estimate of the worth of constrained service influence the whole aspect of Christian ethics. Christ wants no pressed men in His army. Must is not in the Christian vocabulary, except as expressing the sweet constraint which bows the will of him who loves to harmony, which is joy, with the will of Him who is loved. Christ takes no offerings which the giver is not glad to render. (A. Maclaren, D. D.)
Voluntary goodness
It is a received axiom–That which is good of necessity, is not good, yet this is to be understood of a coacted necessity, not of a voluntary. God is necessarily, yet willingly, good. Death comes necessarily upon all; yet some die willingly. But the good which is done upon a constrained necessity, loses the name of good: patience perforce is no patience. A willing mind in a good action is all in all. If Solomon had not willingly built the temple, it had not been pleasing to God; if the centurion had not willingly set up the synagogue, God would not have respected it; if the woman of Shunem had not willingly entertained the prophet, it had been no good work in the sight of God; if Dorcas had not made the coats willingly, they had not been acceptable to God. (W. Jones, D. D.)
Spontaneity in goodness
I. A preference with respect to goodness. Paul was anxious not simply about the pardon of Onesimus, but as to–
1. The moral quality of the action of Philemon. Spontaneousness is an element of the highest goodness. The necessity which dictates to the Christian should be from within rather than from without.
2. The principle it was to illustrate. That Christianity is not a mere adjustment of external relations, but a spirit which interpenetrates and transfigures all.
3. Its spiritual effect upon the age. It has a greater effect upon the receiver, and upon onlookers, when a good deed is perceived to be spon taneous and not due to the influence of another.
II. A spirit of consideration for the freedom and individual responsibility of a fellow Christian. St. Pauls behaviour throughout this episode is an example to us all of the courtesies that ought to soften and dignify the general relations of life; but of greater value is its suggestiveness in the spiritual sphere. It teaches us–
1. To do justice to the spiritual life of others.
2. To respect the diverse operation of the One Spirit.
3. To maintain a confident faith in the promptings of Christian principle. (A. F. Muir, M. A.)
Willinghood in service
1. Seeing no man must perform any holy duty to God or man upon compulsion, or against his will, but with all his mind and might, we learn that every action or duty is accounted of by God, not according to the greatness of the worker, or outward show of the work, but according to the will and affection of the doer; it is the manner of doing that God more accepteth than the action or deed itself. A child in his obedience to his father is esteemed for his reverent, loving, obedient, and dutiful heart, and not for the greatness or worthiness of his work. For what can he do when he hath endeavoured to the utmost to pleasure his father? So it is with us, when we have done all that we can, we must confess we have been unprofitable servants, and therefore God more respecteth the intention than the action, the workman than the work, the affection than the effect.
2. Seeing only that duty which is done freely and not by compulsion deserveth due commendation, this reproveth all those things that are done upon wrong grounds and evil foundations. It is not enough to do a good thing, but we must do it well; it is not sufficient to do those things that are godly, but we must do them in a godly manner.
3. This confuteth those who ascribe all to the work done, and regard nothing at all either the mind of the doer or the manner of doing. Outward observations of religion will deceive us if we rest upon them and put our trust in them. If we perform a worship to God without the heart, we dishonour God, we deceive our own souls, and we increase our condemnation. We must make the house of God a paradise, or place of pleasure; we must make His word our meat and drink, and our continual hearing must be a daily refreshing unto our souls.
4. Seeing all Christian duties must be performed of us willingly, we are hereby guided and directed in our obedience, that we are not to hinder the necessary duties of Christianity belonging unto us by objecting fleshly reasons, as it were laying stumbling blocks in our own ways, to keep us back from a willing, free, and cheerful going forward in the works of our calling, and in the parts of Gods worship. (W. Attersoll.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 14. That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity] If the apostle had kept Onesimus in his service, and written to Philemon to forgive him and permit him to stay, to this it is probable he would have agreed; but the benefit thus conceded might have lost much of its real worth by the consideration that, had he been at Colosse, Philemon would not have sent him to Rome; but, being there and in the apostle’s service, he could not with propriety order him home: thus the benefit to the apostle would have appeared to have been of necessity. The apostle, therefore, by sending him back again, gave Philemon the opportunity to do all as if self-moved to it. This is a very delicate touch.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
But without thy mind would I do nothing; but he was thy servant, and I would not do it without thy knowledge and consent, that it might not be thought that thou hadst done me a kindness necessarily, but that thou mightest do it freely.
That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly: which seems to argue that St. Paul expected that he, being reconciled to Onesimus, should send him back to Paul; unless he means the benefit done to Onesimus, in not revenging the wrong he had done him, should not be of necessity, because he was out of his reach, but freely, having him first in his power.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
withoutthy mind that is, consent.
shouldnot be as should not appear as a matter of necessity, but of free will.Had Paul kept Onesimus, however willing to gratify Paul Philemonmight be, he would have no opportunity given him of showing he wasso, his leave not having been asked.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But without thy mind would I do nothing,…. Which shows great modesty and humility in the apostle, that though as such he had an authority, which he could have used, as well as had understanding and judgment how to have used it without consulting Philemon, or having his sense of this affair, yet chose to consult him: and it also shows the strict regard the apostle had to equity and justice, that he would do nothing with another man’s servant without his consent; he would not seem to alienate, or engross another man’s right and property, whatever power he might have, as an apostle, to have retained Onesimus as a minister to him.
That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly; that is, that his goodness in forgiving his servant, and renouncing all claim and property in him, and admitting him to continue in the service of the apostle, might not look like a forced thing; but that it might appear to be a voluntary action, when he should of himself return him, after he had been thus sent to him, and received by him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Without thy mind ( ). Judgment, purpose (1Cor 1:10; 1Cor 7:25). Ablative case with (apart from).
I would do nothing ( ). First aorist active indicative of , I decided, I wished, decision reached (cf. in verse 13.
Thy goodness ( ). Neuter articular adjective (thy good deed).
As of necessity ( ). “As if according to compulsion.” See 2Co 9:7.
But of free will ( ). According to what is voluntary (Nu 15:3). Perhaps (way, manner) is to be understood with the adjective (old word, here alone in N.T.), from (1Cor 9:17; Rom 8:20).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
I would [] . Compare I would, ver. 13. Here the aorist tense and the verb meaning to will denote a single, decisive resolution. As it were of necessity [ ] . Wv as it were, Rev., as, marks the appearance of necessity. Philemon’s kindly reception of Onesimus must not even seem to be constrained.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “But without thy mind would I do nothing” (choris de tes ” ses gnomes) “But apart from thy consideration” (ouden ethelesa poiesai) “not one thing was I willing to do.” Paul was not willing to take advantage of the continued common services Onesimus was giving him without the willing consent of Philemon.
2) “That thy benefit should not be” (hina me to agathon sou he) “in order that the good of you” — The good things I might continue to receive from the servant of you, or at your expense, might not be.
3) “As it were of necessity” (os kata anagken) “As if it were of absolute necessity 1Co 9:7.
4) “But willingly” (alla kata ekousion) “but by way of voluntary ministering from you.” Man is a man of accountable free and voluntary decisions both before and after conversion. However, his marital, family, or civil obligations are not canceled in salvation, 1Co 7:10-13; Rom 13:1-7; Tit 2:9; 2Co 8:12.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
14. That thy benefit might not be by constraint. This is drawn from the general rule, that no sacrifices are acceptable to God but those which are freely offered. Paul speaks of almsgiving in the same manner. (2Co 9:7.) Τό ἀγαθον is here put for “acts of kindness,” and willingness is contrasted with constraint, when there is no other opportunity of putting to the test a generous and cheerful act of the will; for that duty which is generously performed, and not through influence exercised by others, is alone entitled to full praise. It is also worthy of observation, that Paul, while he acknowledges that Onesimus was to blame in past time, affirms that he is changed; and lest Philemon should have any doubt that his slave returns to him with a new disposition and different conduct, Paul says that he has made full trial of his repentance by personal knowledge.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(14) That thy benefit should not be . . .The benefit derived from the service of Onesimus St. Paul acknowledges as coming from Philemon, because given with his consent. He will not keep Onesimus and ask that consent by letter, lest it should be as it were of necessity: i.e., lest it should wear even the semblance of constraint.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
14. Without thy mind willingly The same reserve as above, both as apostle and spiritual father, leaving to Philemon the chance of a free-will obedience.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But without your mind I would do nothing, that your goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.’
Thus he would not enforce a choice on Philemon. He wanted rather for Philemon to be able to make up his own mind without pressure. Until Philemon had considered it without any duress, he would not keep Onesimus as his servant and companion. He wanted Philemon’s goodness to be a free act arising from his own goodwill, and not a necessity forced on him by Paul retaining Onesimus and asking for his services without really giving him the opportunity to say ‘no’.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Phm 1:14. That thy benefit That is, “Thy goodness to Onesimus, in readily pardoning him, and treating him kindly for the future.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
Ver. 14. Would I do nothing ] Posse et nolle nobile est. He that goes to the utmost of his chain may possibly break a link. Concedamus de iure ut careamus life. Part with somewhat for peace’ sake. (Augustine.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
14 .] But without thy decision (= consent: so , Polyb. iii. 21. 7; xxi. 8. 7: . ., id. ii. 11. 5) I was willing (see above) to do nothing (general expression, but meant to apply only to the particular thing in hand; = ‘nothing in the matter’), that thy good (service towards me: but not in this particular only: the expression is general the particular case would serve as an example of it) might be not as (appearing as if it were: ‘particula , substantivis, participiis, totisque enuntiationibus prposita, rei veritate sublata aliquid opinione, errore, simulatione niti declarat.’ Fritz. on Romans , 2. p. 360) of (after the fashion of, according to: , Polyb. iii. 67. 5) necessity, but of free will .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Phm 1:14 . With the thought of this verse cf. 2Co 9:7 , 1Pe 5:2 . : “St. Paul does not say but . He will not suppose that it would really be constraint; but it must not even wear the appearance ( ) of being so. cf. 2Co 11:17 , ” (Lightfoot).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
without = apart from, Greek. choris.
mind. App-177.
would. Literally was wilting to. App-102.
nothing. Greek. ouden.
thy benefit. Literally the good thing of thee.
not. App-106. IL
it were. Omit.
of. App-104.
willingly = according to (App-104.)
free-will. Greek. hekousios. Only here. The adverb in Heb 10:26. 1Pe 6:2.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
14.] But without thy decision (= consent: so , Polyb. iii. 21. 7; xxi. 8. 7: . ., id. ii. 11. 5) I was willing (see above) to do nothing (general expression, but meant to apply only to the particular thing in hand; = nothing in the matter), that thy good (service towards me: but not in this particular only: the expression is general-the particular case would serve as an example of it) might be not as (appearing as if it were: particula , substantivis, participiis, totisque enuntiationibus prposita, rei veritate sublata aliquid opinione, errore, simulatione niti declarat. Fritz. on Romans , 2. p. 360) of (after the fashion of, according to: , Polyb. iii. 67. 5) necessity, but of free will.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Phm 1:14. , as it were) A mitigating particle; for although Philemon had not been compelled, yet his willingness would not have so much appeared [had Paul kept Onesimus without formally asking Philemons leave].-, necessity) for Philemon could not have resisted.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Philemon 1:14
but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.-This shows that he required Onesimus to return to the relation which the civil law imposed upon him. He did not permit Onesimus to surrender his right. He required both to act in the relation according to the Spirit of Christ. True fidelity and love in both parties to it.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
salvation
(See Scofield “Rom 1:16”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
without: Phm 1:8, Phm 1:9, 2Co 1:24, 1Pe 5:3
thy benefit: 1Ch 29:17, Psa 110:3, 1Co 9:7, 1Co 9:17, 2Co 8:12, 2Co 9:5, 2Co 9:7, 1Pe 5:2
Reciprocal: Jdg 5:2 – when 2Ki 8:9 – Thy son Benhadad Act 5:4 – was it not thine 2Co 8:3 – beyond 1Pe 4:9 – without
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Phm 1:14. Such a service, however, would have been equivalent to taking some benefit from Philemon without his consent, and the apostle would not do anything like that.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Phm 1:14. but without thy mind. The con-sent of Philemon should first be gained, and St. Paul will not so far influence his Judgment in the matter, as to write while Onesimus is with him, and ask that he may remain, for then it would appear as if he put some constraint upon the master.
would I do nothing; in this particular business. He had done Philemon the service of persuading his slave to go back to him, but of that he says nothing. To found a claim on his own labours was the last thing in his mind.
that thy goodness. The kind act of suffering Onesimus to attend on St. Paul in his imprisonment. It can, however, hardly be thought the apostle expected the servant to be sent again to him from Coloss. His imprisonment seems too near its close (see Phm 1:22) for this. He can therefore only be speaking hypothetically, and meaning that which would have been a kindness on thy part, had it been possible for it to be done,
should not be as it were of necessity. Once more by his language St. Paul implies that he is sure of the love of Philemon. He knows that he would be ready to do him any kind act, but to the eye of the world, if St. Paul had kept Onesimus in Rome, and merely written to announce what he had done, it would have seemed as though no choice was left to the master as to what he should do. It would be as it were of necessity.
but willingly; and now, as there is no opportunity for such willing kindness, the other kindness toward Onesimus will be freely given in its stead.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
14. But without thy consent I did not wish to do anything, in order that thy benefaction may not be according to constraint, but willingly. Onesimus, though when a sinner, doubtless a contrary and unprofitable servant in the house of Philemon, is now so gloriously saved that he is all right, either for manual labor, servile drudgery, or the soul-saving work in Pauls city mission; yet the apostle, fully recognizing the claims of his master, sends him back to meet him face to face, rectify all past wrongs, and mutually participate the joy of the Lord in his conversion.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 14
Thy mind; thy consent.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of {e} necessity, but willingly.
(e) That you might not seem to have lent me your servant on constraint, but willingly.