Philemon


Philemon 1

Philemon 1:2

The church -- Any number of the living church assembled together in any place may properly be called the church of that place. R1893:5

The church may be considered as counting a part as though it were the whole. R1893:5

The early churches were "associations" rather than "organizations"; bound together with love and truth, not creeds and traditions. R984:1

In thy house -- The congregations of the primitive church were small, and usually met in private houses. R2941:6, 984:2

Philemon 1:7

By thee, brother -- The apostles addressed or referred to one another simply by name or else as brother; and all the church were similarly greeted--as brothers and sisters in Christ. F230, R1523:5

Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee -- A letter of introduction (verses 10-17) as a safeguard against "false brethren" and "wolves in sheep's clothing" was the custom of the primitive church, practiced by the apostles. (Matt. 7:15) R1707:1

Philemon 1:12

Receive him -- In introducing brethren to the churches, force and authority are ignored, while the liberty of all is respected even by the apostles, who write not commandingly but entreatingly, not arbitrarily, but giving the reasons why those commended should be held in esteem. R1822:2

Philemon 1:15

Season -- Greek, hora; same word as for "hour" in Rev. 17:12. HG22:4

Philemon 1:16

A brother -- A common term of greeting in the early church. See comment on verse 7. F230; R1523:5

Philemon 1:17

Receive him -- See verse 12. As myself -- Probably a letter of commendation from St. Paul would have had a greater influence than if from some others, simply because of the unbounded confidence of the churches in his judgment and carefulness of their interests. R1822:2