Notes on the Old and New Testaments

From Col. iv. 9, it may be inferred that the person to whom it was addressed was an inhabitant of Colosse, since Onesimus, concerning whom this epistle was written, is there mentioned as '• one of them." See Notes on that verse. Comp. the ingenious remarks of Paley, Hor. Paul., on Colossians, No. IV. He is said by Calmet and Micliaelis to have been wealthy; but this cannot be determined with certainty, though it is not nnprobable. The only circumstances which seem to indicate this, are, tiiat Onesimus had been his 'servant,' from wliicii it has been inferred tliat he was an owner of slaves; and that he appears to have been accustomed to show hospitality to strangers, or, as Alichaelis expresses it, "travelling Christians." Sec ver. 2*2 of the epistle. But these circumstances are not SiifRcient to determine that he was a man of proj)erty. There is no evidence, as we shall see, that he was a slave-holder; and Christians in moderate circumstances were accustomed to show hospitality to their brethren. Besides, it is not said in ver. *J*J that he was accustome<l to show pcneral hospitality; but Paul merely asks him to provide for him a lodging. It is probable that he liad been accustomed to remain with him when ho was in Colosse.

It is quite clear that he had been converted under the ministrj' of the apostle himselt". This appears from what is said in ver. 19: "I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self." This cannot be under-?too<l otlierwise than as implying tlmt he had been converted under his ] - ' • •' \on some former occasion, had been the rueana

, tliere is no evidence. Indee<i, it is manifest, li _.,,... rpistle, that Philemon had been converted by the labours of the autlior. It is just such a letter as it would be natural and proper to write on such a supijosition; it is Bot one which the apostle would have been likely to write to any one who did not sustain euch a relatxjn to him. But where and when he was converted, is unknown. It is possible that Paul may have met with him at Ephesus; but it is much more probable that he had himself been at Colosse, and that Philemon was one of his converts there. See Intro, to the epistle to the Colossians.

It is evident from the epistle that Paul regarded him as a sincere Christian; as a man of strict integrity; as one vAio could be depended on to do right. Thus (vs. 5 — 7), he says that he had heard of his 'love and faith toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;' thus he confidently asks him to provide for him a lodging when he should come (ver. 22); and thus he expresses the assured belief that he would do what was right towards one v.ho had been his servant, who, having been formerly unfaithful, was no'.v converted, and, in the estimation of the apostle, was worthy of the confidence and affection of his former master.

In regard to his rank in the christian church, nothing whatever is known. Paul calls him (ver. 1) his ' fellow-labourer;' but tliis appellation is so genera], that it determines nothing in regard to tlie manner in which he co-operated with him in promoting religion. It is a term which might be applied to any active Christian, whether a preacher, an elder, a deacon, or a private member of the church. It would seem clear, however, that he was not a travelling preacher, for he had a home in Colosse (vs. 2. 22); and the presumption is, that he was an active and benevolent member of the church, who did not sustain any office. There are many private members of the churches, to whom all that is said of Philemon in the epistle would apply. Yi t there have been various conjectures in regard to the office which he held. Hofiluanu (Intro, ad Lection. Ep. ad Colossenses, § 18) supposes that he was bishop of Colosse; JMichaelis supposes that he was a deacon in the church; but of either of these, there is no evidence whatever.

Nothing is known of his age, his profession, or of the time and circumstances of his death. Neither is it certainly known what efiect this epistle had on him, or whether he again received Onesimus under his roof. It may be presumed, however, that such a letter, addressed to such a man would not fail of its object.

§ 2. The occasion on which the epistle was written.

This can be learned only from the epistle itself, and there the circumstances are so marked as to make a mistake impossible.

(1.) Philemon had had a servant of the name of Onesimus. Of the character of this servant, before Paul became acquainted with him, nothing more is known than that he had been " unprofitable" to Philemon (ver. 11), and that he had probably done him some wrong, either by taking his property, or by tiie tact that he had escaped from him. Ver. 18. It is not necessary to suppose that he was a slave; for all that is implied of necessity in the word wliich is employed to designate his condition in ver. 16 (6t>t'^oj)) and all tliat is stated of him in the epistle, would be met by the supposition tliat he was bound to Philemon, either by his parents or guardians, or that he had bound himself to render voluntary service. See Notes on ver. 16.

C2.) For some cause, this servant had fled from his master, and lidd gone to Rome. The cause of his escaping is unknown. It Jimy be that he liad purloined tlic property of his master, and dreaded detection; or llial he had, by his ba^ie conduct in some other way, expused himselt' to punishment; or tiiat he merely desired freedom from oppression; or that lie disrecrarded the bonds into which lie liiniself', or his parent.s or guardians, had entered, and iiad therefore escaped. Nothinrr can be inferred about liis condition, or his relation to Philemon, from the fact tiiat he ran away. It is perhaps quite as common for apprentices to run away, as it is for slaves,- and they who enter into voluntary bonds to render service to another, do not always regard them.

(3.) In some way, when at Rome, this servant had found out the apostle Paul, and had been converted by his instrumentality. Paul says (ver. 10) tliat he had 'begotten him in his l>on<ls' — iv rots 6f a^toij fjiov', which seems to imply that Onesimus had come to liim, and not that Paul had searched him out It does not appear that Paul, when a prisoner at Rome, was allowed to go at large (comp. Acts.\.\viii. 30), though he was permitted to receive all who came to him. Why Onesimus came to the apostle, is not known. It may have been because he was in want, and Paul was the only one in Rome whom he had ever seen; or it may have been because his mind had become distressed on account of sin, and he sought him out to obtain spiritual counsel. Conjecture on these points is useless, where there is not even a hint that can serve as a clew to find out the tiuth.

(4.) From some cause, equally unknown, Onesimus, when converted, was desirous of returning to his Ibrmer master. It is commonly assumed tliat his returning again was at the instiirolion of the apostle, and that this furnishes an instance of his belief that runaway slaves should be sent back to their masters. But, besides that there is no certain evidence that he eve- was a slave, there is as little proof that he returned at the instigation of Paul, or that his return was not wholly voluntary on his part. For the only expression which the apostle uses on this subject (ver. 12), " whom I have sent again" — ayinsft-^o, — does not necessarily imply that he even proposed it to him, still less that he commanded it It is a word of such general import, that it would be employed on the supposition that Onesimus desired to return, and that Paul, who had a strong wish to retain him, to aid him in the same way that Philemon himself would do if he were with him (comp. ver. 13), had, on the whole, concluded to part with him, and to send him again, with a letter, to his friend Philemon. It is just such language as he would have used of Timothy, Titus, or Epaphroditus^ if employed on an important embassy at the request of the apostle. Comp. Luke vii. 6. 10 19; x.v. 13. Actd'.x. 5;.w. 22. 1 Cor. iv. 17. 2 Cor. i.\. 3. Eph. vi. 22. Phil. ii. 19. 23. 25. 28. 1 Thess. iii. 2. 5. Titus iii. 12, for a similar use of the word send {ninnu). There is nothing in the statement which forbids us to sup|K)sc that Onesimus was himself disposed to return to Philemon, and that Paul 'sent' him at his own request. To this, Onesimus might have been inclined from many causes. He may have repented that he left his master, and had forsaken the comforts which he had enjoyed under his roof It is no uncrmmon thing for a runaway apprentice, or servant, when he has seen and folt the misery of being among strangers and in want, to wish himself well hack again in tJie house of his ma.-Jter. Or he may have felt tiiat he had wronged hia master in some way (comp. Notes on ver. 18), and, being now converted, was desirous of repairing the wrong. Or ne may have had frieDds and kindred in Colosse wliom he was desirous of seeing again. Since any one of these, or of many other supposable causes, may have induced him to desire to return to his master, ii should not be assumed that Paul sent him against his will, and thenqe be inferred that he was in favour of sending back runaway slaves to their masters against their will. There are many points to be proved, which cannot be proved, to make that a legitimate inference. See Notes on ver. 12.

(5.) Whatever were the reasons why Onesimus desired to return to Philemon, it is clear that he was apprehensive of some trouble if he went back. What those reasons were, it is impossible now to determine with absolute certainty, but it is not difficult to conjecture what they may have been, and any of the following will account for his apprehensions — either (a) that he had done his master wrong by the mere act of leaving him, depriving him of valuable services which he was bound to render; or (6) that he may have felt that the mere act of running away had injured the character of his master, for such an act always implies that there is something in the dealings of a master whicli makes it desirable to leave him; or (c) that he had in some way injured him in respect to property, by taking that which did not belong to him, ver. 18; or (d) that he owed his master, and he may have inferred from his leaving him that he meant to defraud him, ver. 18; or (e) that the laws of Phrygia were such that Onesimus apprehended that if he returned, even penitent, it would be judged by his master necessary to punish him, in order to deter others from committing a similar oftence. The laws of Phrygia, it is said, allowed the master to punish a slave without applying to a magistrate. See Macknight. It should be said niso that the Phrygians were a severe people (Curtius, Lib. v. c. 1.), and it is not improbable that, from the customs there, Onesimus may have apprehended harsh treatment if he returned. — It is not proper to assume that any o?ie of these was certainly the reason why he feared to return, for this cannot be absolutely determined. We should not take it for granted that he had defrauded his master — for that is not necessarily implied in what is said in ver. 18, and we should not impute crimes to men without proof; nor should we take it for granted that he feared to bo punished as a runaway slave — for that cannot be proved; but some one or more of these reasons doubtless operated to make him apprehensive that if he I'eturned he would meet with, at least, a cold reception.

(0.) To induce his master to receive him kindly again, was the main object of thij courteous and kind epistle. For a view of the arguments on which he urges this, see the Analysis of the epistle. The arguments are such, that we should suppose they could not be resisted, and we may presume, without impropriety, that they had the desired effect on th» mind of Philemon — but of that we have no certain evidence.

5 3. The Time and Place of writing the Epistle.

There can be no doubt that this letter was written from Rome about the time when the epistle to the Colossians was written. Comp. Intro, to that epistle. The circumstances which conduct to this conclusion are such as the following: (1.^ Paul at the time when it was written was a prisoner. Ver. 1. "Paul a prisoner of Jesus Christ." Ver. 10. "Whom I have begotten in my Ixjnds." Comp. ver. 2^. " Epaphras my t'.'!luAprisoner m Christ Jesus." (2.) It was written when he had hopes o\ obtaining his liberty, or wlien he iiad such a prospect of it that lie could n^-k Philemon, with confidence, to 'prepare him a lotiping.' Ver. 22. (o.) Timothy was with iuni at tlie tiiiie when it was wnlten (ver. 1), and we know that Paul desired him to come to him to Rome when he was a prisoner there as soon as possible. 2 Tim. iv. 9. " Do tliy diligence to coine shortly unto me." (4.) We know that Onesimus was actually sent by Paul to Colosse wiiile lie was a prisoner at Rome, and it would be tnoraily certain that, tinder the circumstances of the case, he would send tlie letter to his master at that time. No other instance is mentioned in which he sent him to Colosse, and the evidence is as certain as the nature of the case admits, that that was the time when the epistle was written. See Col. iv. 9. (5.) The same persons are mentioned in the sahitations in the two epistles, at least they are so far the same as to make it probable that the epistles were written at the same time, for it is not vciy probable that the same persons would in another place, and on another occaeion, have been with the apostle. Thus Aristarchiis, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, join in the salutations both to the church at Colosse and to Philemon. Probably at no other time in the life of Paul were all these persons with him, t'.ia'n when he was a prisoner at Rome. These considerations make it clear that the epistle was written while Paul wa^s a prisoner at Rome, and at about tlie same time with the epistle to the Coloesians. If so, it was about A. D. 62.

5 4. The Character of this Epistle.

This letter is almost wholly of a private character, and yet there is scarcely any portion of the New Testament of equal length which is of more value. It is exquisitely beautiful and delicate. It is a model of courtesy and politeness. It presents the character of the author in a most amiable light, and shows what true religion will produce in causing genuine refinement of thought and language. It is gentle and persuasive, and yet the argument is one that we should suppose would have been, and probably was, irresistible. It is very easy to conceive that tlie task which the apc'stle undertook to perform was one which it would be ditficult to accomplish — that of reconciling an oflended master to a runaway servant And yet it is done with so much kindness, persuasiveness, gentleness, and true affection, that, as the letter was read, it is easy to imagine that all the hoetilily of the master was disarmetl, and we can almost see him deeiriiiT to embrace him who bore it, not now as a servant, but as a Chris-

tian "brother. Ver. 16. '* It is impossible," says Doddridge, " to read over this admirable epistle without being touched with the delicacy of ecntiment, and the masterly address, tliat appear in every part of it. We eec here, in a most striking light, how perfectly consistent true politeness is, — not only with all the warmth and sincerity of a friend, but even with tlie dignitv'of the Ciiristian and the Aposllo. And if this letter were to be considen-d in no otlier view than as a mere human composition, it must l»e allowed to ba a master-piece in its kind. As an illustration of this remark,

it may not be improper to compare it with an epistle o^ Pliny, tliat seema to have been written on a similar occasion (Lib. ix. Let. 21); which, though penned by one that was reckoned to excel in tiie epistolary style, though it has undoubtedly many beauties, yet must be acknowledged by every impartial reader vastly inferior to this animated composition of tlie

apostle." Asa specimen of the courtesy and politene.=s which tiie Christian ought to practise at all times, as well as furnishing many valuable lessons on Christian duty (see the Remarks at the close), it deserves a place in the volume of inspiration; and a material cliasm would be produced in the instructions which are needful for us, if it were withdrawn from the sacred canon.

II. A mention of the excellent account which the apostle had heard of Philemon, and the occasion which he had tor thankfulness on his behalf. Vs. 4—7.

(fl) lie always remembered him in liis prayers. Ver. 4.

(6) He had heard of his faith and love, and of his kindness towards those who bore the Christia.T name. Ver. 5.

(c) He desired that his goodness in making' others, in common with him, partakers of the expression of his faith, miglit be even more effectual in securing the proper acknowledgment of it wherever it might be known.

(<r, He says that lie had great joy and consolation from the happioes.=i which he had conferred on Christians who needed his aid.

III. The main subject of the epistle— the desire that he would receive his servant Oncsimus again, and the arguments to persuade him to do it. Vs. &-21.

(1.) He places it on the ground ■jf cnlreattj, not of command. He miffht, in virtue of his apostolic office, enjoin many things on him, and possibly this, yet he chooses to place It wholly on other grounds, and to make it a matter of personal friendship. V^cr. 8.

(2.) Particular reasons why he should do it: —

(a) For love's sake — love to Paul — now an old man, and in prison on account of their common religion. Ver. 9.

(6) Paul regarded Onesimrs as his own son, and asked that he might be received and treated as such. Ver. 10.

(c) He assures Philemon that, whatever he might have been formerly, he would now find him to be profitable to himself.

(</) He assures him that Onesimus was especially dear to him, and that he would have been very useful to him in his circimistances, but that he did not think it proper to retain him with him without the consent of Philemon. Onesimus, therefore, was not sent back as a worthless vagabond, and Philemon, in receiving him, might be sure that he was receiving one who Paid believed was fitted to be eminently useful. Vs. 12— M.

(e) He suggests to Philemon that probably It was so arranged by divine Providence, that Onesimus should deprt in order that he might rccyive him again in a far more tender and eiuicaring relation, not as a servant, but aa a Christian brother. Vg. lOs 18.

prisoner " of Jesus and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer. * 2 And to our beloved Apphia,

(y) He appeals to the personal friendsliip of Philemon, and asks that if he regarded him as a participator with him in the hopes of the gospel, or as a fellow-labourer in a common cause, he would receive him as he would himself. Ver. 17. 5^) He says that he would himself become security for Onesimus if he owed Philemon anything, or had in any way wronged him. Vs. 18, 19. (A) He concludes the argument by referring to the happiness which it would give him if Philemon would receive his former servant again; and with the expression of his conviction that he iVGuld do more than he asked in the matter, and then asks that, while he showed favour to Onesimus, he would also prepare a lodging for him, for he hoped soon to be with him. Vs. 20 — 22. Perhaps by this last suggestion he hoped also to do Tiuch to favour the cause of Onesimus — for Philemon could ^ardly turn him away when he ixpected that Paul himself •vould soon be with him. Such dn argument would be likely to be effectual in the case. We do not like to deny the request which a friend makes in a letter, if we expect soon to see the writer iiimself It would be much more easy to do it if we had no expectations of seeing him very soon. iV. The epistle closes with affectionate salutations from certain persons who were with Paul, and who were probably well known to Philemon, and with the customary benediction Vs. 23—25.

1. Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ. A prisoner at Rome in the cause of Jesus Christ. Notes, Eph. iii. 1. 2 Tim. i. 8. IT And Timothy our brother. Timothy, it seems, had come to him agreeably to his request. 2 Tim. iv. 9. Paul not unfrequently joins his name with his own in his epistles. 2 Cor. i. 1. Phil, i. 1. Col. i. 1. 1 Thess. i. 1. 2 Thess. i. 1. As Timothy was of that region of country, and as he had accompanied Paul in his travels, he was doubtless acquainted with Philemon. 11 Unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer. See Intro. § 1. The word rendered fellow-labourer {avvipyog), does not determine what office he held, if he held any, or in what respects he was a fellow-labourer with Paul. It means a co-worker, or helper, and doubtless here means that he was a helper or fellow-worker in the great cause to which Paul had devoted his life, but whether as a preacher, or deacon, or a private Christian, cannot be ascertained. It is commonly, in the New Testament, applied to ministers of the gospel, though by no means exclusively, and in several instances it cannot be determined whether it denotes ministers of the gospel, or. those who furthered the cause of religion, and co-operated with the apostle in some other way than preaching. See the following places, which are the only ones where it occurs in the New Testament. Rom. xvi..3. 9. 21. 1 Cor. iii. 9. 2 Cor. i. 24; viii. 23. Phil, ii. 25; iv. 3. Col. iv. 11. 1 Thess. iii. 2. Philem. i. 24. 3 John 8.

2. And to our beloved Apphia. This was a female (Gr. aryaHrjtn), and was probably the wife of Philemon. ^ And Archippus our fellovh

and Archippus • our fellow-soldier, and to the church * in thy house:

3 Grace ' to you, and peace, trom God our t'ather and the Lord Jesus Christ.

soldier. See Notes, CoL iv. 17. It has been supposed that he was a son of Philemon, and this would appear not to be improbable, as he was one of his family. On the term ' fellowpoldier,' see Note*-, Phil. ii. 2.5. It is applied here to one who was a minister of the pospel, and who is spoken of in connection with Paul as enlisted under the banners of the Captain of salvation, and waging' a warfare with the wickedness of the world. Com p. Notes, 2 Tim. ii. 3, 4. That Archippus was a minister of the gospel, is clear from Col. iv. 17. ^ And to the church in thy hoxLse. Either the church that commonly met in his house, or more probably *hat was composed of his own family. Corap. Notes, Rom. xvi. 5.

4. / thank my God. That is, for what I hear of you. ^ Making mention of thee always in my prayers. See a similar declaration respecting

•the church at Ephesus, Eph. i. l(i. It would appear from this that Paul, in his private devotions, was in the habit of mentioning churches and individuals by name. It would seem, also, that though he was a prisoner, yet he somehow found opportunity for secret devotion. And it would appear further, that, though encompassed with many cares and sor^jws, and about to be put on trial for his life, he did not forget to remember a christian brother though far distant from him, and to bear him on his heart before the throne of grace. To remember with atfcctionate concern these churches and individuals,

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;

0 That • tlic communication of

as ho did, Paul must have been a man of much prayer.

5. Hearing of thy love and faith. Either by Onesimus, who, after his conversion, would be disposed to state all that he knew tliat was favourable of Philemon, or hearing it by some other persons who had come from Colosse to Rome. The faith which is mentioned here refers to the Lord Jesus; the love, to the saints. The order in the Greek is indeed the same as in our version, but it is not unusual by synthesis, or uniting two or more things together, to arrange words in that manner. Thus Matt. xii. 22, "The blind and dumb both spake and saw;" that is, the blind saw, and the dumb spake. The meaning is, that ho had strong faith in the Lord Jesus, and ardent love towards all who were Christians. See a similar declaration in Col. i. 4.

6. That the communication of thy faith. That is, tliis was a subject of prayer on the part of tlie apostle, that the 'communication of hia faith' might receive trom all the proper acknowledgment of tlie good which he did in the christian cause. The phrase translated 'communication of thy faitii,' means the making of tliy faith common to others; tliat is, enabling others to partake of the fruits of it, to wit, by good deeda On the meaning of the word here rendcrctl 'commrmication' (xotHonto, koinoniay, see Notes on Eph. iii. 9. Comp. Phil. ii. 1; iii. 1(». Calvin has well expressed the sense of tliia passage. • It is to be observed that the apostle here docs not proceed 'n

ihy faith may become effectual " by the acknowledging of every * good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and

the commendation of Philemon, but rather expresses what he desires for him from the Lord. These words are connected with those in which he says that he remembered him in his prayers. What, therefore, did he desire for Philemon? That his faith expressing itself by good fruits, might be shown to be true and not vain. For he calls that the communication of his faith when it does not remain inoperative within, but bears itself forth to benefit men by its proper effects. For although faith has its proper seat in the heart, yet it communicates itself to men by good works.' The meaning is, that he desired that Philemon would so make common the proper fruits of faith by his good deeds towards others, that all might acknowledge it to be genuine and efficacious. IT Ma:/ become effectual. Gr., ' May be energetic' (fVepy/j?); may become operative, active, effective. IT By the acknowledging. That is, so as to secure from others the proper recognition of the existence of faith in your lieart. In otlier words, so that others may see that you are truly pious, and understand to what extent you have faith. IF Of every good thing which is in you. Of every good principle, and of every benevolent trait, which is in your character. That is, the proper outward expression of his faith in Clirist, by doing good to others, would be a development of the benevolence which existed in his heart. II Ja Christ Jesus. Or ' towards (ui) Christ Jesus.' The goodness in his heart had re- Bpecilo the Lord Jesus as its proper cb'ect, but would be made manifest

consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed ' by thee, brother.

8 Wherefore, though ''I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

by his kindness to men. The trulli which is taught in this passage therefore, is, that when faith exists in the heart, it is very desirable that it should impart its proper fruits towards others in such a way that all may see that it is operative, and may recognize its power; or in other words, it is desirable that when true religion exists it should be fairly developed, that its possessor may be acknowledged to be under its influence. We should wish that he may have all the credit and honour Wii.ch the goodness of his heart is entitled to. Paul supposed that a case had now occurred in which an opportunity ivas furnished to Philemon to show the world how much he was governed by the faith of the gospel.

7. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love. In thy love towards Christians. The word here rendered joy (xdpiv), properly means grace. A large number of manuscripts, however, instead of this word, have;);apav, Charan, joy. See Wetstein. This reading has been adopted by Griesbach, Tittman, and Hahn. IF Because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. For your kindness to them. The word bowels here probably means minds, hearts, for it is used in the Scriptures to denote the affections. The sense is, that the kindness which he had shown to Christians had done much to make them happy. On the word refreshed, see 2 Cor. vii. 13. 2 Tim, i/l6.

8. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ. Though 1 might have much boldness as an apos-

9 Yet for love's sake I rallier bcseecli thee, being such aa one tie of Christ. He means tliat lie was invested wiili niithority by the Lord Jesii.s ami would have a ri<,'lit, as an apostle, to enjoin what ought to be done in the case which he is about to lay bctbre him. Con)p. 1 Thesd. ii. (J, 7. ^f To enjoin thcc thtit which is convenient. To command what is proper to be done. The word convenient liere (to di^xov), means that which would be tit or proper in the case. Comp. Notes, Eph. v. 4. The apostle implies here that wliat he was about to ask, was proper to be done in the circumstmces, but he does not put it on that ground, but rather asks it as a personal favour. It is usually not best to command a thing to be done it' we can as well secure it by askins^ it aa a favour. Comp. Dan. I 8. 11, 12.

9. Yet for love's sake. For the love which you bear me, and for the common cause. ^ / rather beseech tliee. Rather than command thee. % Being such an one as Paul the ai^ed. ftpioSirrj — an old man. We have no means of ascertaining the exact age of Paul at this time, and I do not recollect that he ever alludes to his age, though he often does to his infirmities, in any place except here. Doddridge supposes that at the time when Stephen was stoned, when he is called "a young man" (ytai-^w;. Acts vii. 5S), he was twenty-four years of age, in which case he would now have been about fiftythree. Chrysostom supposes that he may have been thirty-five years old at the time of his conversion, which would have made him about sixtythree at this time. The difficulty of determining witli any degree of accuracy the age of the apostle at this time, arises from the indefinite nature of the word used by Luko, Acid vii.;>8, and rendered a tjunuir man. That word, like the corrcs-

ns Paul llic aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ;

ponding word iwwt'nxoj, neani.shos, was!ipplicd to men in the vigour of manhood up to the age of forty years. Robinson, Lex. Phavorinus says a man is called ifoutaxoj, nraniakus. a young man, till he is twenty-eight; and nitci^ivrrx, presbytcs, from fortynine till he IS hrty-si.v. Varro sjiys that a man is young (juveni.s), till he is forty-five, and aged at si.xty. Whitby. These periods of time, however, are very indefinite, but it will accord well with tlie usual meaning of the words to suppose that Paul was in the neighbourhood of thirty when he was converted, and that he was now not far from sixty. \\'c are to remember also, that the constitution of Paul may have been much broken by his labours, his perils, and his trials. Not advanced probably to the usual limit of human life, he may have had all the characteristics of a very aged man. Comp. tliC Note of Unison. Tiie argument here is, that we feel that it is proi)er, as far as we can, to grant the rcrpiest of an old man. Paul thus felt tiiat it was reasonable to supjx)se that Philemon would not refuse to gratify the wishes of an agf.'d servant of Christ, who had spent the vigour of his life in the service of their common Master. It should be a very strong case when we refuse to gratify the wishes of an aged Christian in anytijing, e.- pecially if he has rendered inijwrtant services to the church and the world. •y And now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. In the cause of Jesus Christ; or a prisoner for endeavouring to make him known to the world. Comp. Notes on Eph. iii. 1; iv. 1; vi. L'i). Col. iv. 10. The argument liere is, that it might be presumed lliat Philemon would not n-fuse the 1:;(pn>t of one who was suffering in prison on account of tlieir comraoD

10 I beasech thee for my son Onesimus, " whom I have begotten * in my bonds:

religion. For such a prisoner we should be ready to do all that we can to mitigate the sorrows of his confinement, and to make his condition comfortable.

10. / beseech thee for my son Onesimus. That is, my son in the gospel; one to whom I sustain the relation of a spiritual father. Comp. Notes on 1 Tim. i. 2. The address and tact of Paul here are worthy of particular observation. Any other mode of bringing the case before the mind of Philemon miglit have repelled him. If he had simply said, 'I beseech thee for Onesimus f or, ' I beseech thee for thy servant Onesimus,' he would at once have reverted to his former conduct, and remembered all his ingratitude and disobedience. But the phrase ^my son,'' makes the way easy for the mention of his name, for he had already found the way to his heart before his eye lighted on his name, by the mention of the relation which he sustained to himself. Who could refuse to such a man as Paul — a laborious servant of Christ — an aged man, exhausted with his many sufferings and toils — and a prisoner — a request which he made for one whom he regarded as his son? It may be added, that the delicate address of the apostle in introducing the subject, is better seen in the original than in our translation. In the original, the name Onesimus is reserved to come in last in the sentence. The order of the Greek is this: ' I entreat thee concerning a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds — Onesimus.' Here the name is not suggested, until he had mentioned that he sustained to him the relation of a son, and also till he had added that his conversion was the

11 Which ' in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

fruit of his labours while he was a prisoner. Then, when the name of Onesimus is mentioned, it would occur to Philemon not primarily as the name of an ungrateful and disobedient servant, but as the interesting case of one converted by the labours of his own friend in prison Was there ever more delicacy evinced in preparing the way for disarming one of prejudice, and carrying an appeal to his heart? If Whom I have begotten in my bonds. Who has been converted by my efforts while I have been a prisoner. On the phrase ' whom I ha.ve begotten,' see 1 Cor. iv. 15. Nothing is said of the way in which he had become acquainted with Onesimus, or why he had put himself under the teaching of Paul. See the Intro. § 2. (3.) 11. Which in time past was to thee unprofitable. Either because he was indolent; because he had wronged him (comp. Notes on ver. 18), or because he had run away from him. It is possible that there may be an allusion here to the meaning of the name Onesimus, which denotes profitable (from dvivriij,^, fut. dvrjaca, to be useful, to be profitable, to help), and that Paul means to say that he had hitherto not well answered to the meaning of his own name, but that now he would be found to do so. If But now profitable to thee. The Greek here is sv- Xptjatov, euchreston, but the meaning is about the same as that of the word Onesimus. It denotes very useful. In 2 Tim. ii. 21, it is rendered meet for use; in 2 Tim. iv. 11, and here, profitable. It does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. ^ And to me. Paul had doubtless found him useful to him aa a christian brother in his bonds, and

VZ Whom I have sent again it is easy to conceive that, in his circumstances, he would greatly desire to retain him with him.

12. IV/iom / ^rtie stjtt again. That is, to Philemon. Tliis was, doubtless, at his own request, for (1.) there is not the slightest evidence that he compelled him, or even urged him to go. The language is just such as would have been used on the supposition either that he requested him to go and bear a letter to Colossc, or that Onesimus desired to go, and tliat Paul sent him agreeably to his request Comp. Phil. ii. 2b. " Yet I suppose it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, and companion in labour," &.c. Col. iv. 7, 8. "All my slate shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord: whom I have sent unto you for tlie same purpose, tliat he might know your estate," &-C. But Epaphroditus and Tychicus were not sent against their own will — nor is there any more reason to think that Onesimus was. See Intro. } 2. (4.) (2.) Paul had no power to send Onesimus back to his master unless he chose to go. lie had no civil authority; he had no guard to accompany him; he could entrust him to no sheriff to convey him from place to place, and he had no means of controlling him, if he chose to go to any other place than Colosse. He could indeed have sent iiim away from himself; he could have told him to go to Colosse, but there his power ended. Onesimus thon could have gone where he pleased. But there is no evidence tliat I'aul even told him to go to CoKxssc ngamst his own inclination, or tliat he would have sent him away at all unless he had hims<^lf requested it. (3.") Tliere may have 39»

thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels;

been many reasons why Onesirr.ja desired to return to Colosse, and no one can prove that he did not express that desire to Paul, and tlial his 'sending' him was not in consequence of such a request. He may have had friends and relatives there; or, being now converted, he may I have been sensible that he had I wronged his former master, and that I he ought to return and repair the wrong; or he may have been poor, and a stranger in Rome, and may have been greatly disappointed in what he had expected to find there when he left Philemon, and may have desired to return to tiie comparative comforts of his former condition. (4.) It may be added, therefore, (a) that this ptissage should not be adduced U) prove that we ought to send back runaway slaves to their former masters against their own consent; or to justify the laws which require magistrates to do it; or to show tha. they who have escaped should be arrested and forcibly detained; or to justify any sort of influence over a runaway slave to induce him to return to his former master. Tiiere is not the least evidence that any of these things occurred in the case before us, and if this instance is ever appealed to, it should bo to justify what Find did — and no- THiNo ELSE. {!/) The passage shows that it is right to aid a.ser ant of ' any kind to return to his mastrt" if he desires it. It is right to give h'm a ' letter,' and lo plead earnestly for his favourable reception if he lias in anyway wronged his master — for Paul did this. On the same principle it would be right to give iiini [)t'cuniary assistance to enable him to return — for there may he cases wliore one who has fled from servitude might wish to return. Ther«

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that » in thy stead he might have ministered

may be instances where one has had a kind master, with whom he would feel that on tlie whole he could be more happy than in his present circumstances. Such cases, however, are exceedingly rare. Or there may be instances where one may have relatives that are in the nsiglibourhood or in the family of his former master, and the desire to be with them may be so strong that on the whole he would choose to be a servant as he was before, rather than to remain as he is now. In all such cases it is right to render aid — for the example of the apostle Paul goes to sustain this. But it goes no further. So far as appears, he neither advised Onesirnus to return, nor did he compel him; nor did he say one word to injluence him to do it; — nor did he mean or expect that he would be a slave when he should have been received again by his master. See Notes on ver. 16. IT Thou, therefore, receive him, that is, mine own bowels. There is great delicacy also in this expression. If he had merely said 'receive him,'' Philemon might have thought only of him as he formerly was. Paul, therefore, adds, ' that is, mine own bowds'' — "one whom I so tenderly love that he seems to carry my heart with him wherever he goes.' Doddridge.

13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead. ' That he might. render me the service which I know you would if you were here.' The Greek is, 'for thee' {iiftifi aov); that is, what he should do tor Paul might be regarded as done by Philemon himself If He might have ininislered unto?ne. He might have rendered me assistance (Svaxov^); to wit, in such

unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14 But without thy mind would

a way as one who was in bonds would need.

14. But without thy mind ivould I do nothing. Nothing in the matter referred to. He would not retain Onesimus in his service, much as he needed his assistance, without the cordial consent of Philemon. He would not give him occasion for hard feeling or complaint, as if Faul had induced him to leave his master, ■or as if he persuaded him to remain with him when he wished to return — or as if he kept him away from him when he owed him or had wronged him. All that is said here is entirely consistent with the supposition that Onesimus was disposed to return to his master, and with the supposition that Paul did not compel or urge him to do it. For it is probable that if Onesimus had proposed to return, it would have been easy for Paul to have retained hira with him. He might have repre sented his own want of a friend. He might have appealed to his gratitude on account of his efforts for his conversion. He might have shown him that he was under no moral obligation to go back. He might have refused to give him this letter, and miglit have so represented to him the dangers of the way, and tlie probability of a harsh reception, as effectually to have dissuaded him from such a purpose. But, in that case, it is clear that this might have caused hard feeling in the bosom of Philemon, and rather than do that he preferred to let him return to his master, and to plead for him that he might have a kind reception. It is, therefore, by no means necessary to suppose that Paul felt that Onesimus was under obligation to return, or that he waa

I do notliing; tliat tliy benefit | 15 For*perhaj)s lie ihcnTore should not bo as it were of no- departed for a season, tliat Uiou cossily, but willingly." sliouldost receive him for ever;

^ That thy bcvcjit. The favour which I might receive from thee by haviiifj the ticrvices of Oiiesiniu.s. If Oncsiiiuis should rcmiiin with him and as.sist him, he would feci that the benefit which would be conferred by his services would be in fact bestowed by I'll demon, fur he had a right to the service of Onesimus, and, while Paul enjoyed it, he would be deprived of it. The word rendered bfuffit here — cL^a^i' — means ^ooil, and the sense is, 'the ffood which you would do me;' to wit, by the service of Onesimus. ^ Should not be as it were of necessity. Aa it would be if Paul should detain Onesimus with him without atlbrding Philemon an opportunity of expressing his assent. Paul would even then have felt tliat he was in fact receiving a 'good' at the expense of Philemon, but it would not be a voluntary favour on his part. ^ But williiiirty. As it would be if he had given his consent that Onesimus should remain with him.

10. For perhaps he therefore departed for a senso7i. Perhaps on this account, or for this reason — 6m rovro — he let\ you tor a little time. Greek, 'lor an hour' —:t,oi tlipoK. The meaning is, that it v,;is possible that this was permitted in liic Providence of CuA in order that Onesimus might be brought under the influence of the gospel, and be far more serviceable to Philemon as a Christian, than he could have lieen in his former relation to him. What appcaro<l to I'hili-mon, therclore, to be a calamity, and what seomed to him to be wrong on the jwrt of Onesimus, might have l>een permitted to occur in order that ho might receive a higher iKmefit. Such thiuirs are not uncommon iu human oflTaira.

disposetl to compel him, or that Onesimus was not inclined to return voluntarily; but all the circumstances of the case are met by the supposition that, if Paul retained him, Philemon might conceive that he had injured him. Suppose, as seems to iiave been the case, that Onesimus 'owed' Philemon (ver. \^), and then suppose that Paul had clit>sen to reUiin him with himself, and had dissuaded iiim from returning to him, would not Philemon have had reason to complain of iti There was, therefore, on every account, great propriety in his saying that he did not wish to use any influence over him to retain him with him when he purposed to return to Colosse, and tliat he felt that it would be wrong for him to keep him, much as he needed him, without the consent of PhUemon. Nor is it necessary, by what is said here, to suppose that Onesimus was a slave, and that Paul believed that Piidemon had a right to him and to his services as such. All that he says here would be met by the supposition that he was a hired servant, and would be in fact equally proper even on the supjiosition tliat he was an apprentice. In either case, he would feel that he gave just ground of complaint on the part of Philemon it; when Onesimus desired to return, he used any inflr.ence to dissuade him from it, and to retain him with himself. It would have been a violation of the rule rofiuirinif us to do to others as we would wish them to do unto us, and Paul therefore fult unwilling, much as he needed the services of Onesimus, to make use of any influence to retiin him with him without the consent of bis master. —

16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother " beloved, specially to me, but how

IT That thou shouldest receive him for ever. That is, in the higher relation of a christian friend and brother; that he might be united to thee in eternal affection; that he might not only be with thee in a far more endearing relation during the present life than he was before, but in the bonds of love in a world that shall never end.

16. Not now as a servant. The adverb rendered ^nct now'' (ovxi-tt), means?io more, no further, no longer. It implies that he had been before in this condition, but was not to be now. Comp. Matt. xix. 6, " They are 7io more twain." They were once so, but they are not to be regarded as such now. Matt. xxii. 46, "Neither durst any man from that day forth, ask him any more questions." They once did it, but now they did not dare to do it. Luke XV. 19, " And am no more worthy to be called thy son," though I once was. John vi. 66, " And walked 7io more with him," though they once did. See also John xi. 54; xiv. 19; xvii. 11. Acts vih. 39. Gal. iv. 7. Eph. ii. 19. This passage then proves that he had been before a servant— SodTloj — doulos. But still, it is not certain what kind of a servant he was. The word does not necessarily mean slave, nor can it be proved from this passage, or from any other part of the epistle, that he was at any time a slave. See Notes on Eph. vi. 5, and 1 Tim. vi. 1. The word denotes servant of any kind, and it should never be assumed that tliose to whom it was applied were slaves. It is true that slavery existed in the heathen nations when the gospel was first preached, and it is doubtless true that many slaves were converted (comp. Notes on 1

much more unto the i, both in the flesh, '' and in the Lord?

Cor. vii. 21), but the mere use of the word does not necessarily prove tliat he to whom it is applied was a slave. If Onesimus was a slave, there is reason to think that he was of a most respectable character (comp. Notes on Col. iv. 9), and indeed all that is implied in the use of the term here, and all that is said of him, wcuM be met by the supposition that he was a voluntary servant, and that he had been in fact intrusted with import ant business by Philemon. It would seem from ver. 18 (" or oweth thee ought"), that he was in a condition which made it possible for him to hold property, or at least to be intrusted. IT But above a servant, a brother beloved. A christian brother. Comp. Notes, 1 Tim. vi. 2. He was especially dear to Paul himself as a Christian, and he trusted that he would be so to Philemon. ^ Specially to me. That is, I feel a special or particular interest in him, and affection for him. This he felt not only on account of the traits of character which he had evinced since his conversion, but because he had been converted under his instrumentality when he was a prisoner. A convert made in such circumstances would be particularly dear to one. IT But how much more unto thee. Why, it may be asked, would he then be particularly dear to Philemon'? I answer, because (1.) of the former relation which he sustained to him — a member of his own family, and bound to him by strong ties; (2.) because he would receive him as a penitent, and would have joy in liis returning from the error of his ways; (3.) because he might expect him to remain long with him and be of advantage to him as a christian brother; and (4.) because ne had voluntarily returned, and tlius sliown tliat ho folt a strong nttacluncnt to his former master, f /« the J!ish. This plvrnse is properly used in reference to any relation which may ctist pertaining to the present world, as contradistinjruishcd from that which is formed primarily by relig-ion, and which would be c.v pressed by the subjoined plira.se, "in the Lord." It might, in itself, refer to any natural relation of blood, or to any formed in business, or to any constituted by mere friend- Bhip, or to Ihmily alliance, or to any relation having' its origin in voluntary or involuntary servitude. It is not necessary to suppose, in order to meet the full force of the expression, either tliat Onesimus had been a slave, or that he would continue to be regarded as such. Whatever relation of the kind, referred to above, may have existed between him and Philemon, would be appropriately denoted by this phrase. The new and more interesting relation which they were now to sustain to each other, which was formed by religion, is expressed by the phrase ' in the Lord.' In both these, Paul hoped that Onesimus would manifest the appropriate spirit of a Christian, and be worthy of his entire confidence. •r In the Lord. Asa Christian. He will be greatly endeared to your heart as a consistent and worthy follower of the Lord Jesus. — On tliis important verso then, in relation to the use which is so otlen made of this epistle by the advocates of slavery, to show that Paul sanctioned it, and that it is a duty to send back those who have escaj)ed from their masters that they may again be held in bondage, we may remark, (1.) there is no certain evidence that Onesimus was ever a slave at all. All the proof that he was, is to be found in the wonl {(k-Xoj — doulos — in this verse. But, as we iiavc seen, the mern use of tliis word bv no means proves tliat AH that is nece.s.«arily implied by it is that he was in Some way the servant of i'hilemon — whether hired or bought cannot be shown. (2.) At all events, even supposing that he had been a slave, Paul did not mean that lie should return as such, or to be regarded as such. He meant, whatever may have been his former relation, and whatever subsequent relation he may have sustained, that he should be regarded as a beloved christian brother; that the leading conception in regard to him should be that he was a ll'llow-heir of salvation, a mcmbei of the same redeemed church, a candidate for the same heaven. (3.) Paul did not send him back in ordet that he might be a slave, or with a view that the shackles of servitude should be riveted on him. There ia not the slightest evidence tliat he forced him to return, or that he advised him to do it, or even that he expressed a wish that he would; and when he did send him, it was not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord. It cannot be shown that the motive for sending him back was in the slightest degree that he should be a slave. No such tiling is intimated, nor is any such thing necessary to be supposed in order to a fair interpretation of the passage. (4.) It is clear that, even if Onesimus had been a slave before, it would have been contrary to the wishes of Paul that Philemon should now hold him as such. Paul wished him to regard him 'not as a servant,' but as a ' beloved brother.' If Philemon complied with his wishes, Onesimus was never afterwards regarded or treated as a slave. If he did so regard or treat him, it was contrary to the expressed intention of the a\x»- tie, and it is certain that he could never have shown thi.s letter in justification of it. It cannot fiiil to strike any one that if Philemon followed the snirit of t)ii>4 enisllo \m

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, " receive him as myself.

would not consider Onesimus to be a slave, but if he sustained the relation of a servant at all, it would be as a voluntary member of his household, where, in all respects, he would be reg'arded and treated, not as a 'chattel,' or a ' thing,' but as a christian brother. (5.) This passage, therefore, may be regarded as full proof that it is not right to send a slave back, against his will, to his former master, to he a slave. It is right to help one if he wishes to go back; to give him a letter to his master, as Paul did to Onesimus; to furnish him money to help him on his journey if he desires to return; and to commend him as a christian brother, if he is such; but beyond that, the example of the apostle Paul does not go. It is perfectly clear that he would??o< have sent him back to be regarded and treated as a slave, but being able to commend him as a Christian, he was willing to do it, and he expected that he would be treated, not as a slave, but as a Christian. The case before us does not go at all to prove that Paul would have ever sent him back to be a chattel or a thing. If, with his own consent, and by his own wish, we can send a slave back to his master to be treated as a Christian and as a man, the example of Paul may show that it would be right to do it, but it does not go beyond that. (6.) Jn confirmation of this, and as a guide in duty now, it may be observed, that Paul had been educated as a Hebrew; that he was thoroughly imbued with the doctrines of the Old Testament, and that one of the elementary principles of that system of religion was, that a runaway slave was in no circumstances to be returned by force to his former master. " Thou shalt not deliver unto iwt master the servant that is escaped from his master unto theey Deut. xxiii. 15. It cannot be supposed that, trained as he was in the principles of the Hebrew religion — of which this was a positive and unrepealed law, and imbued with the benevolent spirit of the gospel — a system so hostile to oppression, the apostle Paul would have constrained a slave who had escaped from bondage to return to servitude against his will. (7.) It may be added, that if the principles here acted on by Paul were carried out, slavery would speedily cease in the world. Very soon would it come to an end if masters were to regard those whom they hold, ' not as slaves,' but as beloved christian brothers; not as chattels and things, but as the redeemed children of God. Thus regarding them, they would no longer feel that they might chain them, and task them, and sell them as property. They would feel that as Christians and as men, they were on a level with themselves, and that they who were made in the image of God, and who had been redeemed with the blood of his Son, ought to

17. If thou count me therefore a partner. The word rendered partner {xoivixivoi), means a partaker, a companion. The idea in the word is that of having something in coinmon (xou'oj) with any one — as common principles; common attachments; a common interest in an enterprise; common hopes. It may be applied to those who hold the same principles of religion, and who have the same hope of heaven, the same vievv's of things, &c. Here the meaning is, that if Philemon regarded Paul as sharing with iiim in the principles and hopes of religion, or as a brother in the gospel so that he would receive him, he ought to

18 If he hath wronged thee,

or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

receive Onesimus in the same way. He was actiiated by tlie same principles, an-i liail the same lioj)e!:, and had a claim to be rcceivetl as a christian brother. His receivinjj Onesimus would be interpreted by Paul as proof that he refjarded liiin as a partaker of the hopes of the {rosnel, and as a companion and friend. For a plea in bclialf of another, strongly resembliuij this, see Horace, Epis. Lib. 1, Ep. 9.

l"^. If he hath wronged ihce. Eitlier by escaping from yon, or by failing to perform what he had nfrrecd to, or by unfaithfulness when he was with you as a servant, or by taking your property when he went away. Any of tJiese methods would meet all tliat 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 ajxistle evmces much delicacy in this matter He does not say that he hud wronged Inm, but he makes a supposition that he might liave done it Doubtless Philemon would suppose that he had done it, even if he had done no more than to escape from him, and, whatever Paul's views of that might be, he says that even if it were so, he would wish him to set that over to liis account He took the blame on himself, and asked Philemon not to remember it against Onesimus. «I Or owrth thee ought. It appears from this, that Onesimus, whatever may have been his former condition, was capable of holding property, and of contracting debts. It is possible that he might have borrowed money of Philemon, or he may have been regarded as a tenant, and may not have paid the rent of his form, or the apostle may mean that he had owed him service which he had not perfonned. Conjecture is useless as to the way in which the debt had been conlracttnl. H put that on mine account. Keckon, or impute that to me — i^oi iXXoy«. This word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except in Uoin. V. 13, where it is rendered imputed. See Notes on that passage. It means to reckon; to put to one's account, to wit, what properly belongs to him, or what he assumes. It never implies that that is to be charged on one which does not properly belong to him, either as his own act, or as that which he has assumed. In this case, it would have been manifestly unjust for Philemon to charge the wrong which Onesimus had done, or what he ov.cd him, to the apostle Paul without his consent; and it cannot be inferred from what Paul says here that it would have been right to do so. The.rteps in the case were these: (1.) Onesimus, not Paul, had done the wrong. (2.) Paul was not guilty of it, or blameworthy for it, and never in any way, or by any process, could be made to be, or conceived to be. It would be true for ever that Onesimus and not he had done the wrong (3.) Paul assumed tlie debt and the wrong to himself He was willing, by putting himself in tlie place of Onesimus, to bear the consequences, and to have Onesimus treated as if he had not done it When he had voluntarily assumed it, it was right to treat him as if he had done so; that is, to hold him responsible. A man may assume a debt if he pleases, and then he may be held answenible for it. (4.) If fie)iad not assumed this himself, it never could have l)cen right for Philemon to charge it on him. No possible supposition could make it right No agency which he had in the conversion of Onesimus; no friendship which he h id tor him; no favour

19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how

which he had shown him, could make it right. The consent, the concurrence on the part of Paul was absolutely necessary in order that he should be in any way responsible for what Onesimus had done. (.5.) The same principle prevails in imputation everywhere, (a) What we have done is chargeable upon us. (6) If we have not done a thing, or have not assumed it by a voluntary act, it is not right to charge it upon us. (o) God reckons, things as they are. The Saviour voluntarily assumed the place of man, and God reckoned, or considered it so. He did not hold him guilty or blameworthy in the case; but as he had voluntarily taken the place of' the sinner, he was treated as if he had been a sinner, God, in like manner, does not charge on man crimes of which he is not guilty. He does not hold him to be blameworthy, or ill-deserving for the sin of Adam, or any other sin but his own. He reckons things as they are. Adam sinned, and he alone was held to be blameworthy or ill-deserving for the act. By a divine constitution (comp. Notes, Rom. v. 12, seq.), he had appomted that if he sinned, the consequences or results should pass over and terminate on his posterity — as the consequences of the sin of the drunkard pass over and terminate on his sons, and God reckons this to be so — and treats the race accordingly. He never reckons those to be guilty who are not guilty; or those to be ill-deserving who are not ill-deserving; nor does he punish one for what another has done. When Paul, therefore, voluntarily assumed a debt or an obligation, what he did should not be urged as an argument to prove that it would be right for God to charge on all the posterity of Adam

thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

20 Yea, brother, let me have

the sin of their first father, or to hold them guilty for an offence committed ages before they had an exist ence. The case should be adduced to- demonstrate one point only — that when a man assumes a debt, or voluntarily takes a wrong done upon himself, it is right to hold him responsible for it.

19. / Faul have written it with mine own hand. It has been inferred from this, that Paul wrote this entire epistle with his own hand, though this was contrary to his usual practice. Comp. Notes on Rom. xvi. 22. 1 Cor. xvi. 21. Gal. vi. 11. He undoubtedly meant to refer to this as a mark of special favour towards Philemon, and as furnishing security that he would certainly be bound for what he had promised. '{[Twill repay it. I will be security for it. It is not probable that Paul supposed that Philemon would rigidly exact it from him, but if he did, he would feel himself bound to pay it. IT Albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me thine own self besides. Paul had doubtless been the means of the conversion of Philemon, and whatever hope he cherished of eternal life, was to be traced to his instrumentality. Paul says that this was equivalent to his owing himself to him. His very life — his eternal welfare — was to be traced to his labours. What he asked now of him was a small matter compared with this, and he seems to have supposed — what was probably true — that for this consideration, Philemon would not think of exacting of him what he had voluntarily obligated hiirself to obey.

20. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord. • By showing me this favour in receiving my friend and brother as I request.' The joy of thee in the Lord: refresh • my bowels in the Lord.

-Zl Having confidence * in thy obedience 1 wrote nnto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more tlian I say.

phrase, ' in the Lord,' here seems to mean that, if this ret]nest was granted, he would recognise the liand of Uie Lord in it, and would receive it ns a favour from him. 1[ Ri fresh my bowels in the Lord. The bowels, in the Scriptures, are unitbrmly spoken of as the seat of the aflcctions — meaning commonly tlie upper viscera, embracing the heart and tiie lungs. Comp. Notes on Isa. xvi. IL The reason is, that in any deep emotion this part of our frame is peculiarly alTected, or we feel it there. Comp. Robinson's Lex. on the word ortXayloj'. See lliis illustrated at lengtli in Sir Charles Bell's ' Anatomy of E.xpression,' p. 85, seq. Ed. London, 1S.14. The idea here is, that Paul had such a tender affection for Onesimus as to give him great concern and uneasiness. The word rendered 'refresh' — MurtaDaov — means to give rest to, to give repose, to free from sorrow (tr care; and the sense is, that by receiving Onesimus, Philemon would cause the deep and anxious feelings of I'aul to cease, and he would be calm and happy. Comp. Notes on ver. 7. "■il. Having conjidtnce in thy ohe- (Hence. Tiiat you would comply witli all my expressed desires, "i 1 wrote unto thee. ' I have written to you;' to wit, in tJiis epistle. ^ A'nou>- ing that thoii wilt also do more than I say. In all the respects which he had mentioned — in receiving Onesimus, and in his kind treatment of liim. He had asked a great favour of him, but he knew that he would go even beyond wliat he had asked.

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: fori 'trust that through ''your prayers I shall be given unto you.

2;} There salute thee Epaphras, ' my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

22. But withal. Or, at the same time — "Af4a. While you are granting this favour, do me also another by prejMiring a lodging for me. 11 Prepare me also a lodging. Philemon had been accustomed to show kindness to the saints (ver. -5), and not improbably Paul had before shared his hospitality. The word rendered lodging (sni'a), means, properly, giiesl-right, hospitality, entertainment; and then, a place for a guest. Comp. Acts xxviii. 23. 1i For I trust. Paul had some hope of being released — an event which probably occurred. See Notes on Phil. i. 23; ii. 23, 24. Comp. Intro, to 2 Timothy. ^ Through your prayers. Notes, 2 Cor. i. 11. He expected release in answer to the petitions of those who loved him, and the cause in wHich he was engaged. Comp. Notes on Acts xii. 5. ^ / shall be given u7ilo you. I shall be penniltcd to return to you, as a favour —;^oftJ>r'5oucu. Paul had no doubt that Philemon would so regard it, and he had no api)rehension that his abiding with him would be considered as a burden.

'Si. Thirc salute thee Epaphras. The same persons who are here mentioned as greeting Philemon, are mentioned in the clo^c of the epistle to the Colossians — furnishing a high degree of evidence that Philemon resided at Cc^losse. Epaphras was a member of the church llicre. Notes on Col. iv. 12. T[ Myf H""^ prisoner in Christ Jesus. In the cause of Christ. Notes, ver. 1. The circumstance of hi.'' being a prisoner

25 The "^ grace of our Lord

is not mentioned in the parallel place in tlie epistle to the Colossians, but nothing- is more probable.

The subscription to the epistle is of no authority, but in this case is undoubtedly correct. Compare the Remarks at the close of 1 Corinthians, and Titus.

Having now passed through with the exposition of this epistle, it may be proper to copy, for comparison with it, one of the most beautiful specimens of epistolary composition to be found in profane literature, an epistle of Pliny, written on a similar occasion, and having a strong resemblance to this. As a matter of taste, it is of importance to show that the sacred writers do not fall behind the most favourable specimens of literary composition to be found in uninspired writings. The epistle of Pliny was directed to his_ friend Sabinianus, in behalf of his manumitted slave who had offended him, and who was consequently cast out of his favour. It is in the following words: —

C. Plinius Sabiniano, S. Libertus tuus, cui succensere te dixeras, venit ad me advolutusque pedibus meis, tanquam tuis, Iicesit. Flevit multum, multum rogavit, multiim etiam tacuit: in summa, fecit mihi fidem penitentiee. Vere credo emendatum, quia deliquisse senti?: Irasceris sciu; et irasceris

Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Written from Rome to Phile* mon, by Onesimus a servant.

merito, id quoque scio: sed tunc prEecipua mansuetudinis laus, cum iraj causa justissima est. Amasti hominem; et spero amabis: interum sufficit ut exorari te sinas. Licebit rursiis irasci, si meruerit: quod exoratus excusatiiis facies.

Remitte aliquid adolescentise ipsius; remitte lachrymis; remitte indulgentisB tuee; ne torseris ilium, ne torseris etiam te. Torqueris enim ciim tam lenis irasceris. Vereor, ne videar non rogare, sed cogere, si precibus ejus meas junxero. Jungam tamen tanto pleniiis et effusiiis, quanto ipsum acriiis severiusque corripui, deslricte minatus, nunquam me postea rogaturum. Hoc illi, quem terreri oportebat; tibi non idem. Nam fortasse iteriim rogabo, impetrabo iteriim: sit mode tale, ut rogare me, ut praestare te deceat. Vale. Epistolar. Lib. ix. Ep. 21.

' Thy freed man, with whom thou didst say thou wert incensed, came to me, and having thrown himself at my feet, grasped them as if they had been thine. He wept much; plead much; and yet pleaded more by his silence. In short, he fully convinced me that he was a penitent. I do sincerely believe that he is reformed, because he perceives that he has done wrong. I know that thou art incensed against him; and I know also that thou art justly so; but then clemency has its chief praise when there is the greatest cause for anger. Thou hast loved the man; and I hope that thou wilt love him again. In the meantime it may suffice that thou dost Buffer

thyself to bo cntrcnted for him. It will be ri<r|it fur thee ii<pxm to be otll'iided if he deserves it; because, haviii<; ullowcd thyself to be entreated, yoii will do it with greater propriety.

• Forgive something for his youth; forgive on account of his tears; forgive on account of thine own kindness: do not torment him; do not torment thyself — for thou wilt be tormented when thou, who art of so gentle a disposition, dost sufler thyself to be angry. I lear, if I should unite my prayers to his, that I should soeni not to ask, but to compel. Vet I will write them, and tiie more largely and earnestly, too, as I have sharply and severely reproved him; solemnly threatening him, should he ofll'nd agjiin, never more to intercede tor him. This I said to him, because it was necessary to alarm him; but 1 will not say the same to thee. For perl)ai)S I may again entreat thee, and again obtain, if now that shall be done which it is tit that 1 should ask a.iu\ you concede. Farewell.'

Those who compare these two epistles, much as they may admire tiial of Pliny as a literary composition, and as adapted to secure the end which he had in view, will coincide with the remark of Doddridge, that it is much inferior to the letter of Paul. Thert is less courtesy — though there is mucii; there is less that Ls touching and tender — though tiiere is much tbrce in the pleading; and there is much less that is aflecting in the manner of the ap|)cal than in the cpi^tle of the apjstle.

The epistle to Philemon, though the shortest that Paul wrote, and though p«'rtaining to a private matter m whicii the church at larpe coulfl not he expected to have anv direct interest, is nevertheless a most interesting portion of the New Testament, and furnishes some invaluable lessons lor the ciiurch. i

I. It is a malel of courtosy. Il shows that the ajMistle was a man of relined sensibility, and had a delicate perception of what was due in friendship, and what was retpiired by true jwliienc^s. There are turns of thought in this epistle which no one would emi)l<iy nho was nut thoroughly under the inHuenco of true courtesy of feeling, and who had not an exquisite sense of what was proper in intercourse with a Christian gentleman.

II. The epistle shows that he had great tact in argument, and great skill in selecting just sucii things as would be adapted to secure the end in view. It would be hardly possible to accumulate, e\en in a letter of fiction, more circumstances which would be fitted to accomplish the object which he contemplated, than he has introduced into this siiort letter, or to arrange them in a way better fitted to secure the desired result. If we remember the state of mind in whicli it is reasonable to supiKJse Philemon was in regard to this runaway servant, and the little probability tliat a man in his circumstances would receive him with kindness again, it is impossible not to admire the address with which Paul approaches him. It is not difficult to imagine in what state of mind Philemon may have been, or the obstacles which it was necessary to surmount in order to induce him to receive Onesimus again — (duI especiuUij In receive /inn as a Clinslian brother. It", as has been commonly supposed, Onesimus had been a slave; if he had run away from him; if he had been formerly intractable and disobetlicnt; if he had wroniTod him by taking property with him that did not belong to him, or if he had owed hiin, and had run off without paying him, it is not ditTicuIt for any one to imagine how great was the difficulty to l)c overcome in his mind before the olycct of Paul could be accomplished. This will be felt to be especially so if we bear in remembrance the lepugnance necessarily felt by a slaveholder to receive one who has been a slave as an equal in any respect, or to regard and treat such an one as a Christian brother on the same level with himself. Or if we suppose that Onesimus had been a voluntary servant in the employ of Philemon, and had failed to render the service which he had contracted to perform, or had embezzled property, or had gone off in debt, greatly irritating the mind of his master, the difficulty to be overcome before he received him again would be little less. In either case, it would be necessary to soothe his irritated feelings, and to inspire confidence in one who hitherto had evinced little claim to it, and to persuade him now to receive one who had shown that he was not to be trusted, as a Christian brother. If the epistle be examined with reference to either of these suppositions, it will be found to be composed with the most finished tact and art.

III. This epistle has been frequently appealed to by the friends and advocates of slavery as furnishing a support or apology for that institution. Indeed, it would seem to be regarded by the advocates of that system as so clear on the point, that all that they need to do is to name it as settlii'g the whole matter in debate. The points which it is supposed by the advocates of that system to prove are two: first, that slavery is right — since it is assumed that Onesimus was a slave, and that Paul does not intimate to Pliilemon that the relation was contrary to the spirit of Christianity; and second, that it is our duty to send back a runaway slave to his master — since it is assumed that Paul did this in the case of Onesimus. — Tt cannot be denied that this view of the matter would be sustained by most of the commentaries on the epistle, bii it is time to enquire whether such an exposition is the true one, and whether this epistle really gives countenance to slavery in respect to these points. In order to this, it is important to know exactly what was the state of the case in reference to these points — for in interpreting the New Testament it should not be assumed that anything is in favour of slavery, nor should anything be admitted to be in favour of it without applying the most rigid principles of interpretation — any more than in the case of profaneness, adultery, or any other sin. As the result of the examination of the epistle, we are now prepared to enquire what countenance the epistle gives to slavery in these respects, and whether it can be fairly appealed to either in justification of the system, or in showing that it is a duty to return a runaway slave against his consent to his former master. To make out these points from the epistle, it would be necessary to demonstrate that Onesimus was certainly a slave; that Paul so treats the subject as to show that he approved of the institution; that he sent back Onesimus against his own will; that he returned him because he supposed he had done wrong by escaping from servitude; and that "he meant that he should continue to be regarded as a slave, and held as a slave, a;; -r his return to Philemon. Now, in regard to these points, I would make the following remarks in view of the exposition which has been given of the epistle: —

(1.) There is no positive evidence that Onesimus v^^as a slave at all. See Notes on ver. 16. Even if it should be admitted to be probable that lie was, it would be necessary, in order that this epistle should be adduced in favour of slavery, that that fact should be made out without any ground of doubt, or the nrguniciit isi worthless. It is clear that the epi-stle, under any circumstances, can be adduced in favour of slavery only so ftiras it is certain that Oneeinius was a slave. But that is 710/ certain. It cannot be made to he certain. It.'^hould not he taken tor granted. Kitherof the supiX)sitions tlial he was bound to service till lie was of age by a parent or guardian, or that he had voluntarily bound himself to service lor wages, will meet all that is necessarilij implied in the epistle.

(2.) There is not the least evidence that Paul used any force or even persuasion to induce him to return to his master. It cannot be proved from the epistle that he even ailvised him to return. It is certain tliat lie did not compel him to do it — for Paul had no power to do this, and no guard or civil officer accompanied Onesimus to secure him if he had chosen to escape. Every one of the circumstances mentioned in the epistle wil' be met by the supposition that Onesimus desired to return, but that there were circumstances which made him apprehensive that if he did, he would not be kindly received, and that, at his request, Paul wrote the epistle to induce Philemon to receive him kindly. Nothing more can be proved; nothing more is necessary to be believed, in order to a fair interpretation of the epistle. Nothinfr is more natural than the supposition that when Onesimus was truly converted, he would desire to return to Philemon if he had in any way done him wrong. But to make it proper to adduce this epistle to show that it is a duty to return a rmaway slave to ins master, even on tlie supposition that Onesimus was a slave, it is necessary to provi either tliat Paul advised him to r<'- turn, or tliat he cnmprlled him t«> do it against his will. No one doubts that it would be right to help 30* one who had escaped from slavery, if, on any proper accuunt, he should wish to go back to his fiiriner master: if he felt that he had wronged him, or if ho had a wife and children in the ncighbourhoo<l, or if ho was satisfied that he could be more happy in his service than he could be elsewhere. To this point, and this only, this epistle goes.

(3.) There is no evidence that Paul meant that Onesimus should return as a slave, or with a view to be retained and treated as a slave. Even supposing he had been so formerly, there is not the slightest intimation in the epistle that when he sent him back to his master, he meant that he should throw himself into the chains of bondage again. Nor is there the slightest evidence that if he had supiMDscd that this would be the result, he would have even consented that he should return to his master. No man can take this epistle and prove from it that Paul would have sent him at all, if he had supposed that the elFect would be that he would be reduced to slavery, and held in bondage. If such had been his c.vpecUition, ho would never have written such a letter as this. The expression of such a desire would have found a place in the epistle; or, at least, the epistle would not have been so framed as almost of necessity to lead to a difierent result.

(4.) There is very satisfactory evi dence, besides thi.s that ho did not mean that Onesimus should be regarded and treated by Philemon as. a slave. It would be imposible for Philemon to comply with the wishes breathed forth in this letter, and meet exactly the desires of Paul in the case, and yet retain him as a slave, or regard him as property — as a 'chattel' — as a 'thing.' For (a) if he h;id heoii formerly a slave; if this is the fair meaning of the word hw/Kai — doulos — then tliis is exprea*- ly declared. Thus, in ver. 16, he is commanded to receive him ' not now as a servant' — ovxiti us bov%ov. If he had been a slave before, he did not wish that he should be received as such now, or regarded as such any longer. How could Philemon comply with the wish of the apostle, and yet regard Onesimus as a slave ] The very attempt to do it would be directly in the face of the expressed desire of Paul, and every moment he held him as such he would be disregarding his wishes. (6) He desired him to receive and treat him, in all respects, as a christian brother — as one redeemed — as a man: — ' Ahoce a servant, a brother beloved.' How could he do this, and yet regard and treat him as a slave 1 Is it treating one as a christian brother to hold huTi as property; to deprive him of freedom; to consider him an article of merchandise; to exact his labour without compensation 7 Would the m.an himself who mr kes anoliier a slave suppose that he was treated as a christian brother, if lie were reduced to that condition? Would he feel that his son was so regarded if he was made a slave ] There are no ways of reconciling these things. It is impossible for a master to regard his slave as, in the proper and full sense of tlie phrase, ' a christian brother.^ He may, indeed, esteem him highly as a christian; he may treat him witli kindness; he may show him many favours; but — he regards him also AS HIS STjAVE; and this lact ma'kes. a difference wide " as from the centre thrice to the utmost pole" in his feelings towards him and other Christians. He is not on a level with them as a Christian. The notion of his being his slave mingles with all his feelings towards him, and gives a colouring to all his views of him. He cannot but feel, if he hira- Belf is under the influence of religion, that that slave, if he were treated in all respects as a Christian, would be as free as himself; would liave a right to his time, and skill, and liberty; would be permitted to form liis own plans, and to enjoy the avails of his own labour; and would be secure from the possibility of being sold, (c) Suppose now that Paul, after a short interval, had actually come to the residence of Philemon, as he expected to (ver. 22), and had found him regarding and treating Onesimus as a slave; would he have felt that Philemon had complied with his wishes 1 Did he ask this of him 1 Did he not request just the contrary 1 Ver. 16, Would it not be natural for him to say to him that he had NOT received him as he wished him to 1 And how would Philemon reply to this?

(5.) The principles laid down in this epistle would lead to the universal abolition of slavery. If all those who are now slaves were to become Christians, and their masters were to treat them 'not as slaves, but as brethren beloved,' the period would not be far distant when slavery would cease. 'This probably will be admitted by all. But a state of things which would be destroyed by the widest prevalence of Christianity, is not right at any time. Cliristianity, in its highest influences, interferes with nothing that is good, and would annihilate nothing which is not wrong. That which is true, and best for the welfare of man, will survive when the true religion spreads all over the world; and to say, as is commonly admitted even by the advocates of slavery, that Christianity will ultimately destroy the S3'stem, is to say that "it is now wrong — for Christianity destroys nothing which is in itself right, and which is desirable for the highest good of man. It Vi'ill destro}" intemperance, and idolatry, and superstition, and war — because they are evil and wrong — and only because they nre so; and for tlic same reason, and that only, will it abolisii shivery. When a nmn, theretoro, adniil-s that tlio jjosp»'l will ulliniatcly de.slrny slavery, he at the same lime admits that it is now an ciil and a sin. The gospel is adapted and designed to put an end to the system. It did annihilate it in the Roman empire, and its tendency everywhere is to Bcciire its final abolition. The system^ therf fore, is evil. It is opposed to the spirit of religion. It is destructive of the welfare of society. It is a violation of human riirht.'^. It i>i contrary to tlic will of God. Tlie pospel everywhere teaches ils to re- •,'ard the slave ' no Ioniser as a slave, but as a lirother;' and when tliis is secured, the system nmst si^edily come to an end. For this, and for all its other anticipated inlluence.-J, we should labour and pray that the gospel may be dilTused as.s|)cedily as possible all over the world; that it may raise man everywhere from his degradation, and invest every iiuman being with tiie dignity of a freeman; that it ' may undo the iiea vy burden, break every yoke, and bid the oppressed go free.' Isa. Iviii. G.