Paul's letter to Philemon
A letter of reminders, request.
Philemon - ASV
1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker,
Paul relating himself as a captive for Christ.
He set an example of a suffering servant.
Writing to a beloved fellow-worker.
2. and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:
Writing to more than one individual so that witnesses are created.
Writing to man and woman at the same time. No sex discrimination.
This verse supplies a reference to house church. A local church can be housed in a house. It is not essential to house a church in a large building. The building is certainly not called/recognised as the church.
3. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A blessing from the start.
Peace from no where else, but from our Father; not ABBA, but our Father (no selfishness).
Jesus Christ is our Master(Lord).
4. I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,
Paul keeps thanking. Not the God of anybody else; but his God.
In his thanks giving, he remembers other brothers in Christ. He is even thanking God for them.
Prayers is not just about asking but consist a lot of thanking.
The living praying for other christians. No name for some dead christians praying for others, when those alive can do it.
No fear in praying to God. No need for that so-called The Virgin.
God does accept prayers from individual christians.
5. hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
There was love. There also was faith.
Good work spreads. Good advertisement.
Love can be heard of. Love is not just done silently, hidden. Love comforts.
Ones love could reach and touch all the saints.
6. that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.
Fellowship with love and faith can be effectual. Fellowship is not fellowship alone.
Knowing the good things in you leads to the showing of love through fellowship of ones faith.
7. For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.
Love from individual christian can bring joy and comfort to others. It is refreshing.
Refresh others with your love and faith.
8. Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,
Boldness is not sufficient for action.
Consider others. Care for their needs.
9. yet for love's sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:
Love is humbling. Full of consideration.
Paul, for certain was growing old. He was willing to go to prison for Christ even when aging.
10. I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,
Not just asking.
It is possible to win people over to Christ even when under bondage.
Work at all times.
11. who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:
Not any more unprofitable. Situation has changed.
In the christian commonwealth. Sharing all goodness and encouragement.
12. whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:
The lost person is coming in person. lost and found. Was hopeless, and now gain.
Every christian is in his heart; very precious.
Christians are precious enough for Christ to go to the cross.
13. whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
He could have helped Paul in his prison ministry.
True converts are useful in Christ and with other brethren in fellowship.
14. but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.
Hinting that Onesimus chose to return to his master Philemon.
15. For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;
Christians are together in life everlasting. All gain and no loss.
16. no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
Paul begot Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
Philemon had more relationship with Onesimus, and should be even closer to him in human bonds.
17. If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.
Paul beseeching a reception.
18. But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account;
Paul was willing to pay for any debt of his brethren.
19. I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.
A serious affirmation. An IOU.
Paul reminded Philemon that this IOU is not under the condition that he should pay Paul back whatever he owed Paul for his coming to Christ.
Paul did not seek his own justice, but the welfare of others.
20. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
Paul would give as a brother to a brother, within the commonwealth.
21. Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.
Obedience out of love is actively seeking to do all good to others, rather than just repaying what is necessary.
22. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.
It is not to know all timing and planning of God, but to have normal, earthly planning and longing on Earth. There is hope in this world, in prayers.
23. Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;
A fellow to a fellow. A brother in Christ to another. Warmth of love reaches out further than the immediate.
24. and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.
All want to be caring to others.
This Demas is not necessary the Demas who left Paul to seek the world.
Working with Paul in prison and with other believers ought to be a heart strengthening matter; not so easily tempted by the world.
25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Grace in the beginning and grace through the end.
Amen - let it be so. Sincerely in God.
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