A Paraphrase on the New Testament, Philemon – Hebrews
The Epiſtle of Paul to PHILEMON.
1. PAul a priſoner of Jeſus Chriſt, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer, 2. And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-ſouldier, and to the church in thy houſe: 3. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt.
1. Note; That to be a Labourer, and Souldier, and a Priſoner for Chriſt, are the Titles that Paul glorieth in, and not in worldly dignities.
4. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5. Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou haſt toward the Lord Jeſus, and toward all ſaints;
4, 5. Note; That 1. Paul made particular mention of Perſons and Churches, yea many of both, in his prayers. 2. True Faith in Chriſt will produce Love to him, and to all Saints, and not only to thoſe of a Party with us.
6. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing, which is in you in Chriſt Jeſus.
6. That thy Faith may be manifeſt to be effectual by the evident production of all ſorts of good fruits, which Jeſus Chriſt hath taught thee, and wrought in and by thee.
7. For we have great joy and conſolation in thy love, becauſe the bowels of the ſaints are refreſhed by thee, brother.
7. Note; That when Faith bringeth forth the fruits of liberal Charity to the relief of others, it mak…s it and the agent much more amiable, than when it doth not, though it ſhould be ſincere and want only ability (as a good Tree laden with choice fruit is more lovely than in the Winter): Much more than when Hypocriſie maketh Faith fru…tleſs.
8. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Chriſt, to enjoyn thee that which is convenient, 9. Yet for loves ſake I rather beſeech thee, being ſuch a one as Paul the aged, and now alſo a priſoner of Jeſus Chriſt.
8, 9. Church-Rulers muſt not plead and uſe meer commanding Authority, when Love and Intreaty is more fit for the end, as uſually it is with Brethren, and worketh more kindly and effectually.
10, 11. 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.
10, 11. Note, 1. That true Converſion maketh good Servants, as well as good Chriſtians. 2. That the faults of converted Servants ſhould be pardoned by us, as ours be of God. 3. That God's word by a Priſoner may ſave Souls. 4. That a converted Servant ſhould be valued by the greateſt Apoſtle.
12. Whom I have ſent again: thou therefore receive him that is mine own bowels.
12. Note; How dear are the Souls of the meaneſt to a faithful Miniſter, and how lovely when converted?
13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy ſtead he might have miniſtred unto me in the bonds of the goſpel.
13. Even thou thy ſelf oweſt me ſervice while I ſuffer bonds for the Goſpels ſake; and I would have kept him to do it for me in thy ſtead.
14. But without thy mind would I do nothing that thy benefit ſhould not be as it were of neceſſity, but willingly.
14. But I would not, without thy conſent, ſo diſpoſe of one who is rightfully thy Servant, though a fugitive; that thy kindneſs to me may not be neceſſitated by my will, but be free as thy own will.
15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a ſeaſon, that thou ſhouldeſt receive him for ever. 16. 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?
15, 16. His temporary departure may end in a durable reception and entertainment; and that not only as a Servant, but a Brother, beloved ſpecially by me who converted him, much more by thee to whom now he is doubly related, both as a Servant, and as a Fellow-member of Chriſt.
17, 18. If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as my ſelf. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account.
17, 18. If thou judge me to have right in thy affairs, by the bonds of Chriſtian friendſhip, receive him if thou wouldſt receive me: Set thy loſſes by him, and wrongs on my account, and I will give thee ſatisfaction.
19. 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.
19. Rather than money-matters ſhall continue a breach, I here give thee a Bill under my hand, that I will repay all that he oweth thee; tho I might tell thee that thou oweſt me even thy ſelf.
20. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refreſh my bowels in the Lord.
20. I pray thee, Brother, comfort me with this expreſſion of thy Chriſtian Love and Forgiveneſs.
21. Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt alſo do more than I ſay.
21. I write this as encouraged by a ſtrong perſuaſion that thou wilt not only obey my deſire, but do more for him than I think meet particularly to urge thee to.
22. But withal prepare me alſo a lodging, for I truſt that through your prayers I ſhall be given unto you.
22. Note; That our deliverances muſt be expected by the means of the prayers of the faithful.
23, 24, 25. There ſalute thee Epaphras, my fellow-priſoner in Chriſt Jeſus: Marcus Ariſtarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-labourers: The grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt be with your ſpirit Amen.
23, 24, 25. Note; Paul was not without fellow-priſoners, or fellow-labourers, in his bonds.