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PHall | September 30, 2009
V.21 – More Than I Say “Whether Philemon pardoned Onesimus, or punished him, is not known. Only, from the earnestness with which the apostle solicited his pardon, and from the generosity and goodness of Philemon’s disposition, we may conjecture that he actually pardoned Onesimus, and even gave him his freedom, in compliance with the apostle’s […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.21 – Having Confidence in Your Obedience Whenever we tell someone that we have confidence in them and that we believe they will exceed what we request, we gain a psychological edge. And yet it cannot be stressed too emphatically that any edge that Paul sought after was not for his own personal benefit, but […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.20 – Refresh my heart Already mentioned by Paul was Philemon’s refreshing of the saints (v.7). Paul is now asking for the same “benefit.” This has both a physical and spiritual application. It seems Paul is asking for the return of Onesimus which would be a physical benefit. The spiritual is twofold: 1) That Philemon […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.19 – I Will Repay This verse is ironic (if not comical). Paul says he is not going to mention Philemon owes him, and in doing so mentions Philemon owes him. Where our translation reads, “not to mention,” the Greek literally says “that I may not say.” This is a subtle, psychological reminder. Paul set […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.18 – Wronged You or Owe You From this verse some assume Onesimus stole from Philemon which is plausible for how else could a runaway travel from Phrygia to Rome? As Paul used a euphemism in v.15, he uses the softer word “owes” instead of naming the crime. This also sets up his next statement […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.17 – If then you regard me a partner (koinonos) Paul poses a question to Philemon concerning equality. (For a Biblical definition of “equality” see 2 Cor.8:13‑15.) It’s possible Paul could be referring back to his earlier use of Philemon sharing with other Christians; if he shared with other Christians and is a sharer with […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.16 – Beloved Brother This answers how Philemon was to have him “back forever.” No matter in what other regard Philemon might consider Onesimus ‑ he is a brother. “A beloved brother” are words used in the description of Philemon (vv.1,7); and now this runaway slave is equal to Philemon in Paul’s eyes. The phrases […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.16 – Slave Definitions: Thayer gives two definitions that fit this passage: “a slave, bondman, man of servile condition, one who gives himself wholly to another’s will”, and “a servant, attendant”. (ibid., Thayer’s, p.1402.) Trench defines it as, “one that is in permanent relation of servitude to another, his will altogether swallowed up in the […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.16 – No longer as a slave, but more than a slave Here is a hint of manumission, but Paul never commands emancipation ‑ only equality (1 Cor.7:22). “No longer as a slave” is elliptical. He is trying to change the focus of his friend’s thinking. The first thing that Philemon should see is a […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.15 – Forever The reason for the parting was “that you should have him back forever (aionios).” Thayer defines aionios as, “without end, never to cease, everlasting.” (A GREEK‑ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Joseph H. Thayer, p.20; 3rd definition.) Their relationship is no longer under the guidelines of the physical laws in society, and […]