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PHall | September 30, 2009
The Futility of Physical Pleasure 1 I said to myself [lit., in my heart], “Come now, I will test [nacah (5254) – a primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt:–adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try] you with pleasure [towb (2896) – from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a […]
PHall | September 30, 2009
Beginning with the Author: Solomon is Qualified 1 The words of the Preacher [Heb., Koheleth (6953) also spelled Qoheleth only occurs in Ecclesiastes; the modern title, Ecclesiastes, comes from the Latin word for preacher], the son of David, king in Jerusalem [Extended Notes].
PHall | September 30, 2009
Vv.1‑3 ‑ Salutation 1 Paul, a prisoner [Paul does not assert his apostolicity as is his practice (see Intro. Style). He does not want to overbear Philemon with authority. This is a personal letter and Paul is reaching for the element that is stronger than authority – Love and fellowship. Is there also an […]
PHall | September 30, 2009
V.22 – At the Same Time Prepare for Me a Lodging If you ask someone to do you a favor and then tell them you hope to visit them, you gain the psychological edge. They know they have to succeed because you will be there to witness their efforts. This is the position in which […]
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 […]