Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 Titus Hebrews
Philemon 1
Concise Complete
The apostle's joy and praise for Philemon's steady
faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints. (1-7) He recommends
Onesimus as one who would make rich amends for the misconduct of which he had
been guilty; and on behalf of whom the apostle promises to make up any loss
Philemon had sustained. (8-22) Salutations and a blessing. (23-25)
Verses 1-7 Faith
in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward
relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was
particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much
and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our
hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential,
must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning
his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their
faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon
did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that
he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.
Verses 8-14 It
does not lower any one to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, in
strictness of right, we might command: the apostle argues from love, rather than
authority, in behalf of one converted through his means; and this was Onesimus.
In allusion to that name, which signifies "profitable," the apostle allows that
in time past he had been unprofitable to Philemon, but hastens to mention the
change by which he had become profitable. Unholy persons are unprofitable; they
answer not the great end of their being. But what happy changes conversion
makes! of evil, good; of unprofitable, useful. Religious servants are treasures
in a family. Such will make conscience of their time and trusts, and manage all
they can for the best. No prospect of usefulness should lead any to neglect
their obligations, or to fail in obedience to superiors. One great evidence of
true repentance consists in returning to practise the duties which have been
neglected. In his unconverted state, Onesimus had withdrawn, to his master's
injury; but now he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and desirous to
return to his duty. Little do men know for what purposes the Lord leaves some to
change their situations, or engage in undertakings, perhaps from evil motives.
Had not the Lord overruled some of our ungodly projects, we may reflect upon
cases, in which our destruction must have been sure.
Verses 15-22
When we speak of the nature of any sin or offence against God, the evil of it is
not to be lessened; but in a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must we. Such
changed characters often become a blessing to all among whom they reside.
Christianity does not do away our duties to others, but directs to the right
doing of them. True penitents will be open in owning their faults, as doubtless
Onesimus had been to Paul, upon his being awakened and brought to repentance;
especially in cases of injury done to others. The communion of saints does not
destroy distinction of property. This passage is an instance of that being
imputed to one, which is contracted by another; and of one becoming answerable
for another, by a voluntary engagement, that he might be freed from the
punishment due to his crimes, according to the doctrine that Christ of his own
will bore the punishment of our sins, that we might receive the reward of his
righteousness. Philemon was Paul's son in the faith, yet he entreated him as a
brother. Onesimus was a poor slave, yet Paul besought for him as if seeking some
great thing for himself. Christians should do what may give joy to the hearts of
one another. From the world they expect trouble; they should find comfort and
joy in one another. When any of our mercies are taken away, our trust and hope
must be in God. We must diligently use the means, and if no other should be at
hand, abound in prayer. Yet, though prayer prevails, it does not merit the
things obtained. And if Christians do not meet on earth, still the grace of the
Lord Jesus will be with their spirits, and they will soon meet before the throne
to join for ever in admiring the riches of redeeming love. The example of
Onesimus may encourage the vilest sinners to return to God, but it is shamefully
prevented, if any are made bold thereby to persist in evil courses. Are not many
taken away in their sins, while others become more hardened? Resist not present
convictions, lest they return no more.
Verses 23-25
Never have believers found more enjoyment of God, than when suffering together
for him. Grace is the best wish for ourselves and others; with this the apostle
begins and ends. All grace is from Christ; he purchased, and he bestows it. What
need we more to make us happy, than to have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
with our spirit? Let us do that now, which we should do at the last breath. Then
men are ready to renounce the world, and to prefer the least portion of grace
and faith before a kingdom.
Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 Titus Hebrews
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
