Commentary on the Epistle to Philemon

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy the brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-laborer, and to Appia our dearest sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church

that is in his house. Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to give weight to the letter he was sending, he began from his own suffering of injury. For as it is a reproach to be bound for the cause of sin, so, on the contrary, to endure the bonds of imprisonment for Christ is the greatest glory; for at the time he sent this letter, he was in custody. But although Philemon was not a cleric, yet out of devotion he took part in the necessities of the church, and for this reason he calls him a partaker in his labors.

For there are many who, although they are worthy, nevertheless excuse themselves, judging themselves too lowly for so great a ministry: whereby they show themselves truly worthy.

I give thanks to my God, always making mention of thee in my prayers, hearing of thy faith and love, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; that the communication of thy faith may become effectual in the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in us in Christ. He says that he rejoices, and gives thanks to God in his prayers, because Philemon was steadfast in faith, and devoted himself to good works: for whoever loves Christ ought to prove this in his servants, knowing that the Lord will impute to him whatever is spent upon them.

Yet the Apostle says he adds this to his prayers, that his working may be accompanied by knowledge of the good; that is, that he may act with such a mind as to look forward to the reward of this deed.

For I had great joy and consolation in thy charity; because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. It is manifest that he shows himself glad for this reason: that he ministered supplies to the necessities of the saints; hence he rejoices the more, being certain from this that Philemon would also obey his commands, since it is clear that he (the Lord) is greater.

Wherefore, though I have much boldness in Christ to command thee that which is fitting; 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.

As far as reason demanded, it was fitting for a master to command a disciple out of the confidence of apostolic authority: but because Philemon was a good man, he provokes him to obey through affection, as one of the same age, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus, that is, one bound to the Lord's business, or subjected to bonds on account of His name, as the apostles themselves also were. Such were Judas and Silas, who, though they were leaders among the brethren from the people, had bound themselves to the Lord's works; that they might strive together with the apostles for the faith of God. Whence Silas is found to be a partaker of the Apostle's labors.

I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me, whom I have sent back to thee.

Do thou therefore receive him, as mine own bowels: whom I would have retained with myself, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel: but without thy counsel I would do nothing; that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary. It is no great thing for the lowly to bow himself, but it is praiseworthy for a man of high standing to humble himself; therefore the Apostle asks him, over whom he has power to command, that in all things he may be a model for the advancement of merits. Therefore the Apostle baptized Onesimus the fugitive, as he ran back to divine help, while he was in custody in the city of Rome, seeing in him the hope of usefulness.

He commends him thus, that he might show his own mind toward him to be that he had become, from unprofitable, fit both for worldly and for divine service.

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou mightest receive him forever: not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a beloved brother, especially to me; but how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord? Onesimus, having offended his own master, fled by a long journey to the Apostle; that he might show that he had not withdrawn in order to become liable to guilt, but that, his sins being blotted out, he might return so useful that he would not only become equal in merit to his master, but even a brother to his teacher himself.

And lest Philemon should suffer any disdain of inflated pride, as a master is wont to feel against a servant, he humbles him, saying that he is a brother both in the flesh and in the Lord; that, the ground of human condition being removed—since we are all from one Adam—we may know ourselves to be brothers: especially when faith comes as mediator, which cuts off all pride.

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

He shows that he has such affection toward Onesimus, that he now calls Philemon, whom he praised above, his partner, if he shall receive this man just as he would the Apostle. For this is what Solomon said: A wise servant shall be served by free men. This saying is a terror to Philemon, that at least for this reason he might receive him, if he could not be moved by love.

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.

Now he does away with any excuse for anger; lest perhaps Philemon should complain of having been so wronged by him that it might seem he ought by no means be forgiven. But if there were such a wrong, he says it is to be imputed to himself, through whom those who sinned before are to be heirs of the kingdom of heaven.

I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

If there is any offense of Onesimus, he attests his own surety as sufficient, that he may make satisfaction for him. And that he may speak the truth, he raises himself up, and says that he demands less from him than is proved to be owed. For in the case of a servant, he is compelled to make satisfaction; because he burdens himself with the debt.

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in Christ.

Having confidence in thy obedience I have written unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say.

Now he flatters him, so that his obedience may be voluntary; that it may be able to bear fruit. For thus he provokes him to do more than is asked of him; for it is usual that one who sees that he is well thought of will show himself the better.

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

That he may make him more solicitous, and more obedient, he indicates that he himself will come to him; for those who are absent are apt to be despised. And why does the Apostle here not disdain still to be present, he who always suffered weariness and destruction, slaughters, persecutions, and bonds, and whose rest was in Christ alone?

But for the advancement of believers, that he might also confound the enemies of the cross of Christ to increase the glory of God, he offered his flesh to sufferings; that he might acquire crowns of immortality for his soul and body.

There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-laborers.

He testifies that all these are partakers of his glory.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Amen. This is the Apostle's subscription confirming the letter sent.