Philemon 1:18 ESV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philemon 1:8-25

We have here, I. The main business of the epistle, which was to plead with Phlm. on behalf of Onesimus, that he would receive him and be reconciled to him. Many arguments Paul urges for this purpose, Phlm. 1:8-21. The 1st Argument is taken from what was before noted, and is carried in the illative wherefore: ?Seeing so much good is reported of thee and found in thee, especially thy love to all saints, now let me see it on a fresh and further occasion; refresh the bowels of Onesimus and mine... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philemon 1:18-25

1:18-25 If he has done you any damage or owes you anything, put it down to my account. I, Paul, write with my own hand--I will repay it, not to mention to you that you owe your very self to me. Yes, my brother, let me make some Christian profit out of you! Refresh my heart in Christ. It is with complete confidence in your willingness to listen that I write to you, for I know well that you will do more than I ask. At the same time get ready a lodging place for me; for I hope that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:18

If he hath wronged thee ,.... By squandering away his time, spoiling his work, or corrupting his fellow servants: or oweth thee ought ; by embezzling his master's goods, robbing him of his money, and running away from his service: put that on mine account ; Signifying that he would be answerable for all, and make good all debts and damages. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:18

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught - Had the apostle been assured that Onesimus had robbed his master, he certainly would not have spoken in this hypothetical way; he only puts a possible case: If he have wronged thee, or owe thee aught, place all to my account; I will discharge all he owes thee. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:18

Verse 18 18If in any thing he hath done thee injury. Hence we may infer that Onesimus had likewise stolen something from his master, as was customary with fugitives; and yet he softens the criminality of the act, by adding, or if he oweth thee anything Not only was there a bond between them recognised by civil law, but the slave had become indebted to his master by the wrong which he had inflicted on him. So much the greater, therefore, was the kindness of Paul, who was even ready to give... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:18

[But] if he hath wronged thee [at all]. It would have been needlessly irritating to Philemon to go into the details of Onesimus's offences. No doubt St. Paul had had an account of them from the repentant youth, but he had far too much tact to occupy himself and Philemon in the discussion of details. The hypothetic form avoids the whole of these. It suffices that he assumes the responsibility of repayment. Owes thee anything. As a matter of moral right at the bar of conscience. For in a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:18-19

The apostle's frank acceptance of pecuniary responsibility for Onesimus. The injured master might plead that it was enough for him to forbear punishing his unfaithful servant, but the injuries he had received put it out of his power to replace him in his household. I. THERE IS HERE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE WRONG DONE BY THE NOW PENITENT SLAVE . "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account." It is evident that Onesimus had frankly... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:18

If he hath wronged thee - Either by escaping from you, or by failing to perform what he had agreed to, or by unfaithfulness when he was with you as a servant, or by taking your property when he went away. Any of these methods would meet all that is said here, and it is impossible to determine in which of them he had done Philemon wrong. It may be observed, however, that the apostle evinces much delicacy in this matter. He does not say that he had wronged him, but he makes a supposition that he... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philemon 1:17-20

Philemon 1:17-20. If thou count me therefore a partner Κοινωνον , a companion, one having fellowship with thee in Christ, or a sharer with thee in the blessings of the gospel, the dearest bond of friendship; receive him as myself Even as thou wouldest receive me, if I could have the satisfaction of paying thee a visit in person. If he hath wronged thee Ει τι ηδικησε , if he hath injured thee in any thing; or oweth thee aught We cannot infer from this that Onesimus had robbed his... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:1-21

CONTENTS OF THE LETTERPaul greets Philemon, his wife Apphia, and the other believers who meet in their home. He also greets Archippus, who was possibly their son and who was serving God in that region (1-3; cf. Colossians 4:17). Paul rejoices because of what he has heard (probably from Epaphras and Onesimus; cf. Colossians 1:7-8; Colossians 4:9,Colossians 4:12) of Philemon’s strong faith in God and sincere love for God’s people. This faith and love have been a source of strength and... read more