The Key of the Bible, Biblical commentary · Part 2 · Section 2 · Subsection 13
Philemon.
THe Epistle of Paul to Philemon. So called because peculiarly and in the first place directed to him, Philem. 1.2. PHILEMON, as some thinke sounds like an Hebrew name, and signifies, The mouth of bread, so denoting his beneficence and bounty relieving them with bread, &c. that were poore and needy, See v. 7. Hieron. Others rather taking this Etymon to be uncertain, count Philemon a Greek name, signifying Kissing, from foreign Philema. i. e. A kisse, So intimating his kindnesse.
This is not that ancient Comick poet, called Philemon, which Paul seems to have read, by some expressions in his Epistles, as 1 Tim. 2.12. and 5.23. Tit. 2.3. The fragments of which poet are extant, collected by Henr. Steph. But this Philemon is supposed to be by Countrey a Phrygian, as Theophylact. and in particular a minister of the Church at Colosse, an eminent towne in Phrygia. Paul here cals him fellow-labourer, Phil…m. v. 1. viz. in preaching the Gospel; and a Partner, v. 17▪ compare Philem. v. 1, 2. with Col. 4.17, He is called a Bishop by Anselme, an Evangelist by Hierom. And here is mention of the Church in his house, v. 2. Probably, Philemon was converted or much edified by Pauls ministry, from that intimation, v. 19. was deare to Paul ▪ he cals him brother v. 7, 20. his dearly beloved. v. 1. He is commended for his faith in Christ, and bountifull love to all the Saints, vers. 5.7. Though rich, yet is suspected to be sornewhat too covetous, from that expression, v. 18, 19. We find no mention of him in Scripture, but only in this Epistle.
Occasion. Onesimus servant to Philemon, had much wronged him in purloyning his goods, (it is probably thought he stole some money from him) and so ranne away from him to Rome, where (providence so ordered things,) hearing Paul preach he was converted, and ministred to Paul in prison. But Paul understanding the cause of his depar…ing from his Master, sends Onesimus back again to his master with this Epistle, perswading him to forgive him, and entertaine him again.
Scope. To reconcile Onesimus, now converted, to Philemon his master, whom he had much wronged formerly, being unconverted, and had runne away from him.
Principall parts, of this most elegant and patheticall Epistle, to this end, are
I. The Preface or Exordium to the Epistle, containing 1. The inscription, v. 1, 2, 3. 2. The Apostles Gratulation at Philemons faith in Christ, and liberall love to the Saints, v. 4. to 8, hereby he indears both himselfe and his request to Philemon.
II. The Proposall of his request to Philemon, more generally, and after more particularly, viz. that he would againe receive Onesimus, whom he had sent to him, v. 8. to 13.
III. Cogent Arguments, pressing this request, (every word almost being an Argument) some of which are couched in the Proposall of his request; As 1. Onesimus is converted, v. 10. 2. Now he will be a profitable servant, v. 11. 3. Onesimus was dear to Paul ▪ as his own bowels, v. 12, 4. Pauls prizing Onesimus his service, v. 13.14. 5. Providence seemed so to over-rule his departure by converting him in the interim, as if God would prepare him for constant service, v. 15. 6. He is now not a servant, so much as a brother in Christ, v. 16. 7. Paul that makes this request, is Philemons Partner, v. 17. 8. Philemon shall not loose by receiving him, v. 18, 19. 9. Paul shall reap the fruit of sweet refreshing in the grant of this request, v, 20.
IIII. The Conclusion of the Epistle, containing 1. Pauls hope of Philemons gratifying him. 2. His request to prepare himselfe a lodging. 3. Salutations. 4. And the Apostolicall valediction, v. 21. to the end.
Hitherto of the Epistles written to the believing Gentiles, and all by Paul: Now of the Epistles written to the believing Iews by severall Apostles.