CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Philemon 1:1. A prisoner.—There is evident design in this opening word of the letter. How could Philemon resist an appeal which was penned within prison-walls and by a manacled band? Unto Philemon.—A citizen of Colossæ, who owed his conversion, his better self, to the apostle (Philemon 1:19). We know nothing of him but what this letter reveals of his character.
Philemon 1:2. Our beloved Apphia.—R.V. “Apphia our sister.” It is a safe inference, from the connection of the names, that Apphia was the wife of Philemon. Since the name always retains the aspirate, it cannot be the Roman name Appia (Lightfoot). Archippus our fellow-soldier.—Less confidently, but still reasonably, inferred to be the son of Philemon and Apphia, in the fellowship of Christian service, either at Colossæ or Laodicea, preferably the latter.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Philemon 1:1-3
Christian Salutation—
I. Significant as proceeding from a devoted champion of the truth.—“Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1:1). A designation not adopted for effect, and yet most effective by its undesignedness and simple truth. Paul speaks not as the apostle, but as the friend, and this description of himself as a prisoner of Jesus—a sufferer for the gospel—would go straight to Philemon’s heart. He drops all allusion to the authority of his office, and “lets Philemon hear the fetters jangling on his limbs—a more powerful plea.’ It was for the cause of Christ that Paul was in the Roman prison. Jewish hatred had succeeded in shutting up the ringleader of the Christian movement; but Paul was less concerned than they in the course events were taking. It enabled him to preach the gospel in the metropolis of the world-empire.
II. Addressed to an exemplary Christian household (Philemon 1:1-2).—Philemon is first mentioned as the head of the house, then Apphia his wife, Archippus, probably their son, and the little company of believers who were very likely accustomed to meet under Philemon’s roof, the whole regarded as constituting a Church. We have here a glimpse of a quiet Christian home in the early times. The gospel makes most solid progress when the family is converted and consecrated to Christ. Christianity imposes upon every believer the sacred duty of showing piety at home.
III. Supplicates the bestowal of special blessings (Philemon 1:3).—Grace is the unmerited but all-comprehensive favour of God, and peace an enjoyment resulting from grace, and a blessing to be diligently sought and increasingly cultivated. Grace and peace comprise Heaven’s choicest benedictions.
Lessons.—
1. Prison life cannot suppress Christian freedom.
2. Religion hallows family life.
3. Our greatest blessings come through prayer.