The Pulpit Commentary — Philemon — Section 16

been well called " the polite Epistle," carries upon the face of it a clee.r explanation of its contents. L THE WBITEB OF THE EPISTLE. "Paul, a prisoner of ,Jesus Christ." He does not describe himself as an apostle, for there W&B no need here to assert his authority, but BB a prisoner, to bespeak the sympathy of Philemon. He was not a prisoner for crime, but for the cause of Christ, and therefore "not ashamed of his chain." Several of his weightiest Epistles were written In prison, BB if to show that "the Word of God was not bound." He associates with himself in the address, but with a separate title, the name of "Timothy our brother," who was known to the Colossians (Col. i. 1), and now in sympathy with himself respecting the object of this Epistle. II. THE PERSONS TO WHOM THE EPISTLE WAS ADDRESSED. 1. "Unto Phi7emon our beloved, and fellow-worker." (1) He was probably a native of Colossre, for his slave Onesimus belonged to it (Col. iv. 9). (2) He was a convert of the apostle (vcr. 19). (3) He was an evangelist. (4) He was a person of mark at Colossre; for the Church gathers in his house; he is able to "refresh the hearts of the saints" both with temporal and spiritual mercies. (6) It is a sign of the apostle's humility that he places Philemon on an equality with himself as "a fellow-worker." Love bound the two servants of Christ closely together. 2. "Apphia our sister." This name occurs in many Phrygian inscriptions. (1) She was probably the wife of Philemon. The apostle addresses her because, as the mistress of the household, her consent would be necessary to the reception of Onesimus on a new footing. (2) She was a true child of God; for she is addressed BB "a sister" of the apostle. Therefore Philemon and .Apphia were not unequally yoked together. (3) Mark how ready the apostle is to recognize the graces of the saints, and especially to acknowledge the true place of woman in her household. 3. "Archippu our fellow-soldier." (1) He was probably the son of this worthy pair. (2) He was a minister of the gospel either at Colossre or Laodicea (Col. iv. 7); for he is called" our fellow-soldier," as Epaphroditus is ca1Jed "a soldier of Jesus Christ." The title suggests the idea of conflict and hard service for the truth, with a view to final victory. 4. " The Ohwrch in thy hO'IUle." This does not mean merely the private family of Philemon, though the object of the Epistle has the look of being a matter of strictly private concernment; but the assembly of Christians who met for worship under Philemon'e roof. The l'estoration of Onesimus to his home under new relations would be a matter of profound interest and significance to the whole Church at Colossre. III. THE SALUTATION. "Grace to you, o.nd peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (see homiletical hints on Eph. i. 2).-'l'. C. Vere. 4--7.-Recognitim of the Christian character and aervicu of Philemon. This is after the apostle's usual manner. I. 'l'HE THANKSGIVING. "I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers." 1. Thmi,gh it is not unlawful to praise men for their graces or virtues, God i, first to be thanked as the Author of these dispositions. " We rejoice [or, 'boast'] in God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. v.11). It is the privilege of the believer to 11peak of God as "my God," according to the tenure of the covenant: "I will be thy God." Therefore the apostle says," Whose I am, and whom I serve'' (.Acts :u:vii. 23). 2. The occasim of his thanksgiving. "Making mention of thee in my prayers." It mingled with bis daily prayel'II. (1) Though a prisoner, the apostle had constant opportunities for secret devotion. (2) He was always mindful of others in his supplica- tions. Many have no secret prayer; others pray only for themselves; the apostle prays for otherH. The saints had an individual place in th~ apostle's heart. (3 J It is right to pray even for those who a.re the subjects of thanksgiving. The saints are not perfect, and therefore need to be prayed for, that they may enjoy a more abundant life In Christ Jesus (John x. 10). IL THE 0A USE OR REASON 01!' THE THA.NKBGIVlNG. " Hearing of thy love and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints." 1. A good report ~tols God's Name and recommends religim. " By it the ancients obtained a good report" (Heb. xi. 3). 2. Good men love to hear, as well as report, the praises of good men. 3. We ought to pray fervently for those who enfoy the greatest graca. 4. The graces of Philemon were faith in Christ and love to the saints. (1) These graces, though distinguished from one another, never P.>:.ist separately. "Faith worketh by  14 TIU: El'l::-iTU; 'l'O L'HlLE~ION. [l-26,