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PHall | September 29, 2009
V.11 – Useless/Useful Some consider “useless” and “useful” to be a play on words on the meaning of “Onesimus.” This is possible but not as certain as the humorous play in v.20. It seems very likely for two reasons: 1) Even though “euchrestos” (useful) is not derived from “Oneesimos” (Onesimus), they both have the same […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.10 – Paul’s Appeal Here is the purpose of his appeal Onesimus. Paul again aims for a sympathetic tone “appeal,” “my child” and “my imprisonment.” Doesn’t this phrasing better enable Paul to touch the heart (or bowels) than, “I command you by Christ for the sake of the converted Onesimus?” Paul has yet to mention […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.9 – Aged Some argue “ambassador” (presbeutes) should be the reading because: 1) Eph.6:20 ‑ “I am an ambassador in chains” ‑ is a parallel text; 2) “Presbutes” is used sometimes for “presbeutes“; 3) If Archippus was Philemon’s son then there could not be such an age difference between Paul and Philemon. The evidence for […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.8 – Proper One version translates “aneko” (proper) “convenient.” In today’s English, this completely changes the meaning because that same version has Felix say concerning hearing Paul preach, “when I have a convenient (kairos) season (Acts 24:25). What is “convenient” as used in today’s English is not what Paul is seeking, but rather what […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
This might be the most difficult verse in Philemon. We must answer what “fellowship” (koinonia) means; whether the “faith” (pistis) is a personal belief or a metonymical use for steadfastness; and if the text should read “in you” or “in us.”
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.5 – Chiasmus? Lightfoot and Meyer, two respected commentators, are polarized in their views of this verse. Lightfoot, in comparing this with Col.1:4, believes this verse chiastic; “love” (agape) being connected with “saints,” and “faith” (pistis) directed to “Christ Jesus.” His argument points to the change in prepositions from “pros” (toward Jesus) to “eis” […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
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 […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.3 – Grace and Peace Grace (charis) and peace (eirene is mentioned in very N.T. book save 1 Jn.) is the most common greeting in the scriptures. Each of Paul’s known epistles contain this salutation. (Seventeen out of 22 books which contain introductions have it (Mt., Mk., Jn., Heb., and 1 Jn. do not […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
v.2 – Church in your house Philemon possibly was wealthy for he owned slaves (unless Onesimus was the only one) and had a large enough house to serve as the assembly hall. It’s interesting to note there is no certain evidence of special church buildings for worship before the third century. Beforetime they had […]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.2 – Apphia and Archippus According to Chrysostom, Apphia was Philemon’s wife. Textually this is suggested because of the location of her name immediately following his. All that is certain about Apphia is that she was a Christian (lit. “the sister”). This is the only time she is mentioned in scripture. Archippus is […]