Philemon

     See the introductory notes to Colossians, as this letter was written at the same time, from house arrest in Rome, and Tychicus delivered both letters (and probably Ephesians at the same time. See note at Colossians 4:1), along with Onesimus, to Colossae (cf. Col.4:7-9 and Phm.10).

      V.1.  As we noted at Titus 3:1, Paul (as a bond-slave himself, and now a prisoner, not of men, but of Christ Jesus) is not interested in upsetting established order in this fallen world, but in transforming the hearts of men.

     Vv.2-7.  He does not see Philemon as an oppressor of those beneath him in society, but as a brother in Christ, functioning in the roll God has given him to the good and comfort of the saints.

     Vv.8-20.  Paul does not hesitate to apply every pressure, from authority, to sympathy, to guilt, upon brother Philemon in order to assure a gracious reception for Onesimus, the runaway slave whom he has converted while in bonds (10).  There is a play on the name Onesimus (i.e., useful, margin) in vv.10-11.  Though Philemon is to act of his own free will in the matter, Paul is not restrained in the least in applying pretty strong moral compulsion to that free will (14).  Besides, he is getting back a much more useful property than he had before, in fact a beloved brother in the Lord (15-16).  If he feels he has still suffered any loss by his servant’s desertion, Paul assigns the note of debt to himself, but with a reminder of what Philemon owes him (18-19).

     Vv.21-22.  Paul expresses his confidence that Philemon will do what is right in the Lord, and also his confidence that he will be released soon and able to enjoy Philemon’s hospitality.

     V.23.  Epáphras; see Col.1:7; 4:12.  Epaphras was apparently a convert of Paul’s who was the first to take the gospel to Colossae, and at present shares his bonds in Rome.

     V.24.  These are also with Paul, but they are probably not prisoners.

     V.25.  A closing benediction upon Philemon.