Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Philemon – I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
V.4 – I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
It is not positive what “always” (pantote) modifies. It could be “thank” (eucharisteo) or “mention” (mneia). Murray Harris suggests that pantote modifies “thank.” He gives three reasons, two of which are: 1) this corresponds to the customary Pauline epistolary formula (e.g., 1 thess.1:2; Phil.1:3; Eph.1:16); 2) In N.T. Greek an adverb generally follows the verb it modifies. (Colossians & Philemon, p.15) It doesn’t matter. Either Paul was always thanking God for them, or he was always mentioning them while thanking God. Each statement concludes the same. A similar statement is found in eight other Pauline epistles (Rom.1:8; 1 Cor.1:4; Eph.1:15; Phil.1:3; Col.1:3; 1 Thess.1:2; 2 Thess.1:3; 2 Tim.1:3). Paul, very assuredly, followed his own command to pray without ceasing.
Comments