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Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Philemon | subtopics = Apostle Paul, Philemon | opinion_pieces = {{short_o..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Philemon |
subtopics = [[Apostle Paul]], [[Text:EBD:Philemon|Philemon]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Philemon, Epistle to|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Epistle to Philemon]] |
}}
Read the book of [[Text:EBD:Philemon, Epistle to|Philemon]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Philemon 1|1]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Philemon 1|1]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Epistle to Philemon]]'''
Philemon was an inhabitant of Colosse, a person of some note and wealth, and a convert under the ministry of St. Paul. Onesimus was the slave of Philemon: having run away from his master, he went to Rome, where he was converted to the [[Christian]] faith, by the word as set forth by Paul, who kept him till his conduct proved the truth and sincerity of his conversion. He wished to repair the injury he had done to his master, but fearing the punishment his offence deserved might be inflicted, he entreated the apostle to write to Philemon. And St. Paul seems no where to reason more beautifully, or to entreat more forcibly, than in this epistle.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
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 [[prayer]]s 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|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|Jesus 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 [[believer]]s 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|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.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Epistle to Philemon]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Philemon |
subtopics = [[Apostle Paul]], [[Text:EBD:Philemon|Philemon]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Philemon, Epistle to|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on the Epistle to Philemon]] |
}}
Read the book of [[Text:EBD:Philemon, Epistle to|Philemon]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Philemon 1|1]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Philemon 1|1]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Epistle to Philemon]]'''
Philemon was an inhabitant of Colosse, a person of some note and wealth, and a convert under the ministry of St. Paul. Onesimus was the slave of Philemon: having run away from his master, he went to Rome, where he was converted to the [[Christian]] faith, by the word as set forth by Paul, who kept him till his conduct proved the truth and sincerity of his conversion. He wished to repair the injury he had done to his master, but fearing the punishment his offence deserved might be inflicted, he entreated the apostle to write to Philemon. And St. Paul seems no where to reason more beautifully, or to entreat more forcibly, than in this epistle.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
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 [[prayer]]s 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|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|Jesus 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 [[believer]]s 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|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.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Epistle to Philemon]]