Bible Commentaries

Questions For The Book of Philemon

1. State Paul's condition as a citizen.

2. For what reason was this the case?

3.Who is with him in this epistle?

4.In what light does he estimate Philemon?

5.Who are associated in the address besides Philemon?

6.Explain location of this church.

7.State the usual benediction.

8.State an item in the prayers of Paul.

9.Of what had he heard?

10.Toward whom did Philemon extend his love?

11.Which of these was cause of the other?

12.Can one exist without the other?

13.Give other word for communication, verse6.

14.Can this be said of faith?

15.State what acknowledgment it would cause.

16.In what does Paul have great consclation?

17.What expression shows this was not selfish joy?

18.Did Paul have authority to enjoin another?

19.What kind of things could he so act about?

20.In this case what kind of urge does he use r

21.For what sake does he do this?

22.What was his place in the career of life?

23.In what city is he being kept?

24.Is he deprived of all service for Christ?

25.In what way had be "begotten" Onesimus?

26.Why say he had begotten him "in my bonds"?

27.What was this man to Philemon?

28.How does Paul designate his former service?

29.Has there been any change for the better?

30.What has caused a change?

31.What is Paul doing as to his new convert?

32.In what sense does he request him to be received?

33.Why does he not retain him with him?

34.Could he have assisted Paul in any way?

35. Why say this benefit would have been from Philemon?

36. Explain Onesimus" absence from Philemon.

According to Thayer and Strong, and some commentators, Philemon was a resident of Colosse, and was converted to Christianity by Paul. Timothy is not mentioned as of any authority, but as an associate of Paul. His name is joined by way of friendly interest in Philemon and endorsement of the epistle. Paul calls himself a prisoner of the Lord because his imprisonment was caused by his service to Him. Philemon is designated fellow-laborer because he was working for the Lord in the same cause as was the apostle.

Apphia is described by

Thayer merely as "name of a woman."

Some commentators say she was the

wife of Philemon and that Archippus

was his son. The suggestion is given

by the next phrase, church in thy

house. In early times the congrega-

tions in some places were small, and

had their services in the homes of the

brethren. Or, the whole congregation

may have consisted of the members of

one household, if there were as many

as two disciples in it ( Matthew 18:20).

If Philemon's wife and son were dis-

ciples, they might well have composed

the church in his house.

This is a familiar salutation of Paul, which he used in most of his epistles. See the comments on it at 1 Corinthians 1:3.

The next verse shows what it was for which Paul thanked the Lord. Since the faithfulness of Philemon was a help to the apostle, he would consider it as a blessing, and it is stated in James 1:17 that all good things come from God.

Love as used here means

a sincere desire to help in the welfare

of others in the work of the brethren,

and an interest in the progress of the

cause of the Lord. Faith means one's

practice of the ordinances of the

Lord's commandments.

The fellowship that 1 Timothy 1:2).

Servants are commanded to obey their masters ( Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22). The teaching Paul gave Onesimus, therefore, would include his duty to his master. That would explain why he would be now profitable to Titus 2:10). Whether that is meant here, or only the wrong he did by his "upprofitable" service (verse11), we do not know. But in either case, Paul was offering to make it up to Philemon. Put that on mine account. Whatever was the obligation that Onesimus owed his master, Paul agreed to have the debt transferred to his account against Philemon.

This obligation or account of Paul against Philemon was not a material one, but a moral one due to what he owed the apostle for having led him into the service of salvation. Albeit I do not say, etc. This unusual sentence is a sort of explanation, to assure Philemon that what he said was not for the purpose of reminding him of his indebtedness (morally) to the apostle for his conversion to Christ.

Let me have joy of thee. This he could do by receiving0nesimus in the way that Paul requested. Such an act of cooperation would constitute a refreshing or encouragement for the bowels or heart of the apostle.

Do more than I say. Not that Philemon would go beyond and add to the inspired word of the apostle, for that would be wrong ( Revelation 22:18). But it means he would even be more thoughtful in good deeds than Paul was requiring.

Paul had hopes of being released and permitted to go out among the churches, and the testimony of history indicates that it was accomplished. In view of such an experience, he asked that Philemon make provision for his lodging.

The names mentioned are of some brethren who were with Paul. They were either in chains also, or were otherwise engaged in defence of the Gospel. As Paul was writing this letter, these brethren joined in friendly greeting to Philemon.

Grace is the favor of Christ, which Paul wished to come to Philemon. With your spirit. This is signifi 2 Timothy 3:12); yet he may be comfortable and refreshed in spirit all the while. (See 2 Corinthians 4:16.)