A.T. Robertson Commentary Philemon 1
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Philemon 1
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Philemon 1
"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker," — Philemon 1:1 (ASV)
A prisoner of Christ Jesus (δεσμιος Χριστου Ιησου). As verse 9 and in Eph 3:1; 4:1. Old adjective from δεσμος (bond, δεω, to bind). Apparently used here on purpose rather than αποστολος as more effective with Philemon and a more touching occasion of pride as Paul writes with his manacled right hand.
Timothy (Τιμοθεος). With Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:22) and probably known to Philemon. Associated with Paul also in I and II Thess., II Cor., Philipp., Col.
To Philemon (Φιλημον). A resident of Colossae and a convert of Paul's (verse 19), perhaps coming to Ephesus while Paul was there when his ministry had so much influence over the province of Asia (Acts 19:9f., 26; 1 Corinthians 16:19). The name Philemon occurs in the legend of Baucis and Philemon (Ovid's Metamorphoses), but with no connection with the brother here. He was active in the church in Colossae ("our co-worker," συνεργω ημων) and was beloved (αγαπητω) by Paul.
"and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:" — Philemon 1:2 (ASV)
To Apphia our sister (Απφια τη αδελφη). Dative case in address. A common name in Phrygian inscriptions and apparently the wife of Philemon. "Sister" is in the Christian sense.
To Archippus (Αρχιππω). Dative case in address. It is uncertain whether he is the son of Philemon or not. Apparently he is prominent in the church in Colossae, possibly even pastor, probably not in Laodicea as some understand Col 4:17 to imply.
Fellow-soldier (συνστρατιωτη). Old word, only here and Php 2:25 in N.T. In metaphorical sense. Perhaps while Paul was in Ephesus.
To the church in thy house (τη κατ' οικον σου εκκλησια). The church that met in the house of Philemon. In large cities there would be several meeting-places. Before the third century there is no certain evidence of special church buildings for worship (White, Exp. Grk. T.). See Ac 12:12 for Mary's house in Jerusalem, 1 Corinthians 16:19 for the house of Aquila and Prisca in Ephesus, Romans 16:5 for the house of Prisca and Aquila in Rome, Colossians 4:15 for the house of Nympha in Laodicea.
"I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers," — Philemon 1:4 (ASV)
Always (παντοτε). Goes with ευχαριστω though so far away in the Greek sentence.
Making mention of thee (μνειαν σου ποιουμενος). See 1 Thessalonians 1:2 for this phrase.
In (επ). Upon the occasion of.
"hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;" — Philemon 1:5 (ASV)
Hearing (ακουων). Through Epaphras (Colossians 1:7,8; 4:12), possibly from Onesimus also.
And towards all the saints (κα εις παντας τους αγιους). He spoke of "thy love and faith" (σου την αγαπην κα την πιστιν) "towards the Lord Jesus" (προς τον Κυριον Ιησουν) and by a sort of momentum (Vincent) he carries both words over to the saints, though it can be explained as chiasm (Galatians 4:4) also.
"that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ." — Philemon 1:6 (ASV)
That (οπως). Rather than the more common final particle ινα. Connected with μνειαν ποιουμενος.
The fellowship of thy faith (η κοινωνια της πιστεως σου). Partnership like Php 1:5 in (objective genitive, πιστεως).
Effectual (ενεργης). Common adjective, like ενεργος (at work), in N.T. only here, 1 Corinthians 16:9; Hebrews 4:12. Papyri use ενεργος of a mill in working order, of ploughed land, etc.
In you (εν υμιν). Some MSS. have εν ημιν (in us), itacism and common.
Jump to: