Philemon 1:1, Philemon 1:9 ESV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philemon 1:1-7

I. In the Phlm. 1:1, 2 of the preface we have the persons from and to whom it is written, with some annexed note or title, implying somewhat of argument to the purpose of the letter. 1. The persons writing: Paul, the principal, who calls himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ, that is, for Jesus Christ. To be a prisoner simply is no comfort nor honour; but such as Paul was, for the faith and preaching of the gospel, this was true glory, and proper to move Phlm. upon the request made to him by such... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philemon 1:1-7

1:1-7 This is a letter from Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, and from Timothy, the brother, to Philemon our well-beloved and our fellow-worker; and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the Church in your house. Grace be to you and peace from God, our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God when I make mention of you in my prayers, for I hear of your love and your faith, which you have to the Lord Jesus, and to all God's dedicated... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:1

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ ,.... Not made a prisoner by Christ, though he was apprehended, laid hold on, and detained by Christ as a prisoner of hope, at his conversion; but this is not intended here: but he was a prisoner at Rome for the sake of Christ, on account of professing him, and preaching in his name; his bonds were for the sake of the Gospel of Christ; and therefore they are in this epistle called the bonds of the Gospel. He was not a prisoner for any capital crime, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:1

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ - It has already been noted, in the preface, that Paul was a prisoner at Rome when he wrote this epistle, and those to the Colossians and Philippians. But some think that the term prisoner does not sufficiently point out the apostle's state, and that the original word δεσμιος should be translated bound with a chain: this is certainly its meaning; and it shows us in some measure his circumstances - one arm was bound with a chain to the arm of the soldier to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:1

Verse 1 The singular loftiness of the mind of Paul, though it may be seen to greater advantage in his other writings which treat of weightier matters, is also attested by this Epistle, in which, while he handles a subject otherwise low and mean, he rises to God with his wonted elevation. Sending back a runaway slave and thief, he supplicates pardon for him. But in pleading this cause, he discourses about Christian forbearance (269) with such ability, that he appears to speak about the interests... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1

Exposition A prisoner of Christ Jesus. He writes a private letter, as friend to friend, and therefore does not describe himself by his official title of apostle. Having to plead the cause of a slave , he begins by putting himself into a similar position as the "bondman of Jesus Christ"—"to obtain thereby the more ready compliance" (Chrysostom). By such a reverend bondage he beseeches Philemon, "and the bondage of Paul was liberty to Onesimus" (Scipio Gentilis). Timothy , etc.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1-2

The scepter of love. "Fellow-laborer … fellow-soldier." These are terms expressive of the spirit of St. Paul. He was not only an ecclesiastic, speaking ex cathedra , so as to have dominion over men's faith. He was a brother amongst brethren; he ruled by force of character and by depth of love; he addresses them in words which had not then degenerated into a formula: "Dearly beloved." I. COMMON WORK . "Fellow-laborer." For Paul believed in work—in hard work. He had "journeys... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1-3

The hallowing of the ordinary intercourse of life. The salutation . Philemon's house had become a church, and the Church was in his house; thereby the household was made holy. Every household should likewise be made holy by the Christian profession and practice of its heads—the master and mistress. A profession of religion alone will not have this effect ; there must be the daily practice of self-restraint, forbearance, Christian charity, and mutual love. Religion not wholly or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1-3

The address and salutation. This strictly private letter, which has been well called "the polite Epistle," carries upon the face of it a clear explanation of its contents. I. THE WRITER OF THE EPISTLE . "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ." He does not describe himself as an apostle, for there was no need here to assert his authority, but as a prisoner, to bespeak the sympathy of Philemon. He was not a prisoner for crime, but for the cause of Christ, and therefore "not ashamed... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:1

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ - A prisoner at Rome in the cause of Jesus Christ; Ephesians 3:1 note; 2 Timothy 1:8 note.And Timothy our brother - Timothy, it seems, had come to him agreeably to his request; 2 Timothy 4:9. Paul not unfrequently joins his name with his own in his epistles; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Col 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1. As Timothy was of that region of country, and as he had accompanied Paul in his travels, he was doubtless acquainted... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philemon 1:1-7

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philemon 1:1-7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:1-3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:1

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