Philemon

INTRODUCTION:

(Deuteronomy 4:2 [KJV])
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

(Proverbs 30:5, 6 [KJV])
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

(Isaiah 28:10 [KJV])
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

(Isaiah 28:13 [KJV])
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

(2 Peter 1:20 [KJV])
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

All of the studies found here, whether book studies or topical studies, are done with research with mainly two things: The KING JAMES BIBLE and a plain old, 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Why? Outside of actually studying secular and Jewish history, archaeology, one needs nothing more. You do not need foreign, dead languages that no one speaks, nor lexicons, nor concordances, nor commentaries, because they differ not only with one another and with the KING JAMES BIBLE, they create division, confusion, debate, and unbelief, apostasy, and a falling away from God Himself. We do not need them. That Word of God written and preserved for us in our own language is supposed to be enough, like the Old Testament was for the Jews, and as the New Testament was for the early Christians in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, etc.

Tyndale Bible
Coverdale Bible
Matthew's Bible
Great Bible
Geneva Bible
Bishop's Bible
King James/Authorized Bible

There are studies within as tangents on words, subjects found within the two testaments, as to broaden the scope of the study, to learn more, deeper truths. This is not an intellectual site with PhDs, theologians, and no worldly wisdom.. Check everything out, everything. Not just here, but with everything you read and see and hear. Be Bereans:

(Acts 17:11 [KJV])
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

(1 Thessalonians 2:13 [KJV])
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Always research for yourself, use all of the context, and never privately interpret!

Start of study

PHILEMON: IMPRISONED FOR JESUS, CARING ABOUT OTHERS

This was a personal, private letter sent to Philemon, but apparently intended to be read aloud in the churches, among the brethren and it was written about the same time as the epistle to the Colossians, as the persecution had arisen, and Philemon was in Colosse then. Philemon was the slave master to Onesimus, Rome having at that time about 60 million slaves. People as slaves could be sold like cattle at aucton and the average price to buy a slave was about a single day's wages. Ones with an education were hundreds of times more worthy in price, cost. One could free their own slave, or that slave could purchase their freedom, if they could earn, be gifted enough money. If the slave ran away, that slave's name was able to be registered as "wanted" like today. The master could execute the slave for running away, being rebellious, etc. The amount stolen may have been the amount needed to flee to Rome, or thereabouts, we can not and do not know. Whatever amount it is, Paul said to place it on his own account, not on Onesimus.

Two problems in our thinking for Philemon:

If Philemon took back Onesimus and forgave him, what would the other masters, his friends, etc. say?

If Philemon did not, and punished him or even executed him, what about Philemon;s testimony?

If Philemon went too easy on Onesimus, that might convince other slaves to "convert" to "Christianity"

If not, Philemon would be a hypocrite in the eyes of the other masters, the world, etc.

The law of Rome stated that Onesimus was still a slaved, rebellious, a thief and a robber

But now, being saved, he was a brother in Christ, positionally on earth the same; to be thought of as different in the eyes of God and the brethren

According to tradition, old and contemporary historical records only, not found in Scripture, Onesimus stole from Philemon and took off to Rome. Paul brought Philemon to the LORD, so now is asking him not only to forgive Onesimus, but find lodging, a good job, whatever he needed. Onesimus got save through Paul, but Paul is now sending him back to Philemon for forgiveness, reconciliation. This is true Christian doctrine, this forgiveness. So Onesimus fled as a thief, a pagan, returned as a beloved Christian brother.

This epistle is a type of a gospel, in that Onesimus was apparently, according to recorded history, a thief who actually stole from Philemon and was now an escapee who fled afterwards. By law, the debt had to be paid and, by law, getting saved, coming to Christ, did not, on earth, make a freed slave of Onesimus, only spiritually was he free. Paul tasked Philemon with this request, to take back the escaped criminal as a brother, and send Paul the bill for any debts, exactly like Christ paid ours in full at the Cross. Onesimus was now a brother to both Paul and Philemon, residing in Colosse. Because Philemon circulated this epistle found in our bibles today, we can only assume that he received Onesimus back as a dearly beloved brother in Christ, not a slave to himself, but as a partner in ministry. It must be understood from this epistle that, in the past, God used Joseph a prisoner to Egypt and hus brethren later, Daniel in prison and the lion's den as a leader, etc. God works in ways we do not understand, that is obvious.

(Philemon 1:1-3 [KJV])
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first century, second, part of the third churches, congregations, were all home/house churches, not in formal buildings
God never intended for us as Christians to copy the Synagogue setting, as He knew that the exact same formalism, legalism would then arise, and so it has
This whole nonsense arose from Rome, the Catholic hierarchy started under Constantine in order to create an "official state church"
Apphia is apparently Philemon;'s wife, responsible for the household
Archippus is maybe a child of theirs, or a disciple of Philemon; it is not known

(Colossians 4:17 [KJV])
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

THE HOUSE CHURCH: GOD'S ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR THE CHURCH

(Romans 16:5 [KJV])
Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

(1 Corinthians 16:19 [KJV])
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

(Colossians 4:15 [KJV])
Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

(Philemon 1:4-6 [KJV])
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Thankful, supplicating, praising God for the testimonies, hearing of love to God and men
Seeing their spiritual growth by testimony of their changed behavior (communication)
That this would translated into the gospel being spread by word and deed and testimony

(Philemon 1:7 [KJV])
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Helping one another during that time was hard, often secretive if the empire knew about it
Helping one another during that time was rewarding to those who watched, who got back the testimony of the service
Bowels are emotions in English

BOW'ELS, n. plu.

The intestines of an animal; the entrails, especially of man. The heart. 2.Cor.6.12.
The interior part of any thing; as the bowels of the earth.
The seat of pity or kindness; hence, tenderness, compassion, a scriptural sense. Bowel, in the singular, is sometimes used for gut.

(Philemon 1:8-9 [KJV])
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Paul had the authority to command which would have had to be fulfilled, but withheld that for the sake of love
Love is voluntary, not forced on another, so he is only asking, (beseeching)
Paul is almost sixty years old at this time, in prison, both on earth and a prisoner of Christ, meaning we are bound to obey christ over man, over our own will, as Jesus did ("nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt")

(Matthew 26:39 [KJV])
And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

(Mark 14:36 [KJV])
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

(Luke 22:42 [KJV])
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

(Philemon 1:10 [KJV])
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Onesimus means, "useful" or "profitable"
Apparently, when Paul was in house prison or regular prison, he met Onesimus and brought him to the LORD

(Philemon 1:12 [KJV])
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Paul then discipled him, sent him back to his slave master Philemon, to be forgiven now as a brother
This was also for reconciliation, perhaps repayment, definitely ministry service

(Philemon 1:13 [KJV])
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

It would have, in Paul's interest in the fleshly ealm, been better the keep Onesimus with him there to help him

(Philemon 1:14 [KJV])
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

However, Paul being Paul, he was more thinking of Philemon's reward, his ministry to be done with Onesimus, than his own comfort
On top of that, he is telling Philemon that this is according to Philemon's free will ("But without thy mind") to do this, no pressure, no coercion
Also, not to do it out of need, but willingly, because Paul wants Philemon to do this out of the goodness of his own heart, not because he feels he must, owing Paul anything
Love is love only if it is freely given, freely received, freely returned, freely exchanged, not under compulsion
Paul had the authority to command, order Philemon and Philemon would have know that, but Paul asks, requests

(Romans 12:21 [KJV])
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Philemon 1:15-16 [KJV])
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

He is an eternal brother now, because Onesimus got saved, he is now a Blood brother, not a thief, not a slave, but your brother in Christ
We often forget that we will b forever together with the brethren in heaven, together now or not
Onesimus left as a fleeing, thieving slave; returned as a brother in Christ, transformed by the Gospel

(Philemon 1:17 [KJV])
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

Take him in and treat him like he is me, in my stead. in my place
A slave entering the master's family
If Philemon thought of Paul as a ministry partner, then he has to think of Onesimus now in the same exact manner
This is either, for Philemon, the gospel-lived out, or not lived out, as a type of Christ; up to Philemon

(Philemon 1:18 [KJV])
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

This here is a perfect type of the very gospel account, the substitutional death, burial, resurrection
"Tetelestai", paid in full here, by me Paul, if you need, not from Onesimus, but from me Paul
Onesimus's sins applied to the account of Paul; our sins applied to the account, the body, of the LORD Jesus Christ

(Philemon 1:19 [KJV])
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

According to recorded history, tradition, Paul was short, bald, possibly had bad eyesight, maybe even more, unable to write any more from being beaten, maybe in his hands
He apparently had others to whom he dictated other epistles prior (see below, Philemon 1:25)
It is as though he took the pen from the writer, the scribe, to sign the "IOU" sent to Philemon which, according to the mind of Philemon, would have madeee it legally binding
In this case, the King James Bible lists Onesimus as the author in the postscript below, so that was who Paul dictated the book to

(Philemon 1:20 [KJV])
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

This is what would would bring Paul jo, for Philemon to display the testimony of the gospel to all in forgiving Onesimus, perhaps freeing Onesimus as no longer a slave, as a demonstration of how we escaped sin

(Philemon 1:21 [KJV])
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Philemon was apparently very trustworthy, to the point that Paul knew for sure that Philemon would fulfill this personal request
This is a fantastic testimony on Philemon, that a brother was so trustworthy that he would do what God wants, forsaking his flesh, his own will

(Philemon 1:22 [KJV])
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

"With all of that said, if I show up, be ready!", meaning "with all that I said up to now"
It is obvious that they are praying for Paul to be released to do ministry outside of his bonds, freely again
The other thing to consider here is that Paul will come to find out the result of this request, to check on it!
According to Clement of Alexandria, it is likely that Paul did this before his last arrest to die in a Roman prison

WITHAL, adv. Withaul. [with and all.]

With the rest; together with; likewise; at the same time.
If you choose that, then I am yours withal.
How modest in exception, and withal how terrible in constant resolution!
It is sometimes used for with. But the word is not elegant, nor much used.

(Philemon 1:23 [KJV])
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

This Epaphrus was likely a good soldier who founded many churches in the area, perhaps in Colosse, imprisoned with Paul at one time

(Philemon 1:24 [KJV])
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Marcus is Mark, or John Mark, Lucas is Luke
Paul had previously had a division with Mark, John Mark, not wanting to take him to all of the cities that they had previously ministered to, and so Barnabas too John Mark, Paul took Silas
Apparently, by this time, the division was very much healed and Mark was good to go with Paul
Aristarchus traveled with Paul, was arrested with him in Ephesus and was in fact called by Paul his fellowprisoner
Aristarchus was a Macedonian
Demas had then earlier forsaken Paul

MARCUS, JOHN MARK

(Acts 12:12 [AKJV/PCE])
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

(Acts 12:25 [AKJV/PCE])
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

(Acts 15:37-38 [AKJV/PCE])
And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

(2 Timothy 4:11 [AKJV/PCE])
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

ARISTARCHUS

(Acts 19:29 [AKJV/PCE])
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

(Acts 20:4 [AKJV/PCE])
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

(Acts 27:2 [AKJV/PCE])
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

(Colossians 4:10 [AKJV/PCE])
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

(Colossians 4:14 [AKJV/PCE])
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

(2 Timothy 4:10 [AKJV/PCE])
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

LUCAS, LUKE

Luke wrote both the gosperl by his name and the book of Acts, a major amount of New Testament text.

(2 Corinthians 13:14 [AKJV/PCE])
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ¶ The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

(Philemon 1:25 [KJV])
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.¶ Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.

This is a typical ending to an epistle by Paul
Written while in chains, dictated by Paul to the now saved, former thief, runaway slave of Philemon, Onesimus
The part mentioned above as by the hand (Philemon 1:19) was written by Paul, who probably found it near impossible to wite, due to his hands being beaten

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