CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Philemon 1:20. Let me have joy.—The apostle appeals to what has been a customary thing with Philemon (Philemon 1:7). The verb is at the root of the name Onesimus.
Philemon 1:21. Thou wilt also do more than I say.—What would he do? Set Onesimus at liberty? If so, this reserve is eminently characteristic of the gospel. Slavery is never directly attacked as such, but principles are inculcated which must prove fatal to it (Lightfoot).
Philemon 1:22. Prepare me also a lodging “There is a gentle compulsion in this mention of a personal visit to Colossæ. The apostle would thus be able to see for himself that Philemon had not disappointed his expectations” (Lightfoot). What would one not have given to be present if ever Philemon did play the host to Paul afterwards, Onesimus being “one of them that sat at meat with him”!
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Philemon 1:20-25
Christian Entreaty—
I. Is based on the joy which an act of kindness affords.—“Let me have joy of thee in the Lord” (Philemon 1:20). It would weigh with a nature like Philemon’s that compliance with the request would give pleasure to Paul: it would help him in his own Christian experience. “Refresh my heart in the Lord.” It is an inducement to be kind that it will please those we love; but the highest motive for doing good is that it will please God. It stirs the heart to duty when it knows that every act of goodness gladdens the heart of God.
II. Has confidence in the generous response of the Christian spirit.—“Having confidence in thy obedience … knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say” (Philemon 1:21). The Christian heart cannot withstand the appeal of unselfish love. It responds quickly, not as rendering a slow, mechanical obedience, but as if eager to lavish its wealth of generosity and do more than it is asked. “When love enjoins, there should be trust in its tones. It will act like a magnet to draw reluctant feet into the path of duty. A will which mere authority could not bend, like iron when cold, may be made flexible when warmed by this gentle heat. If parents oftener let their children feel that they had confidence in their obedience, they would seldom have to complain of their disobedience” (Maclaren).
III. Is more likely to succeed with the immediate prospect of a personal interview (Philemon 1:22).—A letter at the best is but a cold, formal vehicle to convey the heart’s desires. The prospect of Paul visiting Colossæ in person would tend to secure a kindly reception for Onesimus. But the apostle does not write as if he had any doubt on that score. He looks forward to the pleasure of social and Christian intercourse with one whose generosity is undoubted, and hopes that the prayers of the Church in Philemon’s household on his behalf may be answered in his liberation, so that he may soon be with them. The joy of once more meeting his father in the gospel would make Philemon eager to gratify his wishes. So the prospect of one day seeing Christ as He is should inspire us with eagerness to fulfil all His wishes concerning us.
IV. Concludes with salutations and prayer (Philemon 1:23-25).—Epaphras, who had been sent by the Colossian Church to minister to the wants of Paul, and who was so closely identified with the apostle as to be called his “fellow-prisoner,” is naturally mentioned; and he, along with two Jews and two Gentiles, joins in the Christian greeting. The parting prayer is suggestive. In the beginning of the epistle Paul invoked grace upon the household “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”; now he represents that grace as the gift of Christ. “In Him all the stooping, bestowing love of God is gathered that from Him it may be poured on the world. That grace is not diffused like stellar light through some nebulous heaven, but concentrated in the Sun of Righteousness, who is the Light of men. That fire is piled on a hearth that from it warmth may ray out to all that are in the house. The grace of Christ is the best bond of family life. Here it is prayed for on behalf of all the group, the husband, wife, child, and the friends in their home-church. Like grains of sweet incense cast on an altar flame and making fragrant what was already holy, that grace sprinkled on the household fire will give it an odour of a sweet smell, grateful to men and acceptable to God” (Maclaren).
Lessons.—
1. The Christian is ever ready to plead for the unfortunate.
2. Love is generous both in its gifts and expectations.
3. Love prompts and then rejoices in every act of kindness.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
Philemon 1:20. The Stimulating Power of Kindness—
I. Excites the best affections.
II. Creates the holiest joy.
III. Intensifies our appreciation of the power and love of God.
Philemon 1:21-22. The Expectations of Love—
I. Inspire confidence in the goodness of others (Philemon 1:21).
II. Are realised beyond all power of expression (Philemon 1:21).
III. Yearn for personal fellowship (Philemon 1:22).
IV. Are fed by belief in the power of prayer.
Philemon 1:23-25. Christian Salutations—
I. Indicate the unity and reality of the Christian brotherhood.
II. Are tokens of genuine mutual affection.
III. Are prompted by the affluent realisation of Divine grace.