Philemon 1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Bible Comments
  • Philemon 1:1 open_in_new

    This single epistle infinitely transcends all the wisdom of the world. And it gives us a specimen how Christians ought to treat of secular affairs from higher principles. Paul a prisoner of Christ — To whom, as such, Philemon could deny nothing. And Timotheus — This was written before the second epistle to Timothy, Philemon 1:1:Philemon 1:22.

  • Philemon 1:2 open_in_new

    To Apphia — His wife, to whom also the business in part belonged. And the church in thy house — The Christians who meet there.

  • Philemon 1:6 open_in_new

    I pray that the communication of thy faith may become effectual — That is, that thy faith may be effectually communicated to others, who see and acknowledge thy piety and charity.

  • Philemon 1:9 open_in_new

    Yet out of love I rather entreat thee — In how handsome a manner does the apostle just hint, and immediately drop, the consideration of his power to command, and tenderly entreat Philemon to hearken to his friend, his aged friend, and now prisoner for Christ! With what endearment, in the next verse, does he call Onesimus his son, before he names his name! And as soon as he had mentioned it, with what fine address does he just touch on his former faults, and instantly pass on to the happy change that was now made upon him! So disposing Philemon to attend to his request, and the motives wherewith he was going to enforce it.

  • Philemon 1:11 open_in_new

    Now profitable — None should be expected to be a good servant before he is a good man. He manifestly alludes to his name, Onesimus, which signifies profitable.

  • Philemon 1:12 open_in_new

    Receive him, that is, my own bowels — Whom I love as my own soul. Such is the natural affection of a father in Christ toward his spiritual children.

  • Philemon 1:13 open_in_new

    To serve me in thy stead — To do those services for me which thou, if present, wouldest gladly have done thyself.

  • Philemon 1:15 open_in_new

    God might permit him to be separated (a soft word) for a season, that thou mightest have him for ever — Both on earth and in heaven.

  • Philemon 1:19 open_in_new

    I will repay it — If thou requirest it. Not to say, that then owest me thyself — It cannot be expressed, how great our obligation is to those who have gained our souls to Christ. Beside — Receiving Onesimus.