Bible Commentary

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 12. whom I have sent again ] Lit., “ I did send ” ; the “epistolary aorist,” as in Col 4:8, where see note. How much lies behind these simple words; what unselfish jealousy for duty on St Paul’s part, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:12”

Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 11. in time past ] In the Greek, simply, once. unprofitable ] A gentle “play” on “ Helpful’s ” name; an allusion, and no more (for no more was needed), to his delinquencies. To Onesimus himself Paul had no … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:11”

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 10. I beseech thee ] See on the same word just above. my son whom I have begotten ] Lit., “ whom I begot.” But English demands the perfect where the event is quite recent. “ Son”: “begotten ” : cp. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:10”

Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech [thee,] being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 9. for love’s sake ] Lit., “ because of the love ” ; i.e., perhaps, “because of our love.” Ellicott, Alford, and Lightfoot take the reference to be to (Christian) love … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:9”

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 8 21. A personal Request: Onesimus 8. Wherefore ] Because I am writing to one whose life is the fruit of a loving heart. though I might be much bold ] Lit., “ having much boldness ”; but the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:8”

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. 7. we have ] Better, I had; i.e., when the news reached me. joy ] Another reading, ill-supported, has “ grace ” ; which would bear here the sense of thankfulness. One Greek letter … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:7”

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 6. that ] This word refers back to the “ prayers ” of Phm 1:4; Phm 1:5 being a parenthesis of thought. As in his other thanksgivings, so in this, he passes … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:6”

Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 5. hearing ] doubtless from Epaphras, perhaps with Onesimus’ confirmation from his point of view. The Greek implies a process of hearing; the subject was continually present in conversation. love ] See below Phm 1:7; Phm 1:9. The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:5”

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 4 7. Thanksgiving and Prayer 4. I thank my God ] For the phrase precisely cp. Rom 1:8; 1Co 1:4; Php 1:3 (where see our note). All the Epistles of St Paul, save only Galatians, contain a thanksgiving in their first greetings. “ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:4”

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Grace be unto you, &c.] Verbatim as in the received text of Col 1:2; where see notes. In this private Letter, written about a practical matter, as much as in the public and didactic Letter, all is hallowed with the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philemon 1:3”