Matthew Henry Commentary Philemon 1
Matthew Henry Commentary
Philemon 1
Matthew Henry Commentary
Philemon 1
"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers, hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ. For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother." — Philemon 1:1-7 (ASV)
Faith in Christ, and love for Him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relationship can unite the people of the world. Paul, in his private prayers, specifically remembered his friends.
We must remember Christian friends frequently, as their situations may require, keeping them in our thoughts and on our hearts before our God. Different opinions and practices in non-essential matters must not diminish affection among those united by the truth.
He inquired about his friends regarding the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love for Him and for all the saints. The good Philemon did was a source of joy and comfort to Paul and others, who therefore desired that Philemon would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honor.
"Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting, yet for love`s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus: I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart: whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel: but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will." — Philemon 1:8-14 (ASV)
It does not lower anyone to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, strictly speaking, we could command. The apostle argues from love, rather than authority, on behalf of one converted through his efforts; and this was Onesimus. Alluding to that name, which means "profitable," the apostle acknowledges that in the past Onesimus had been unprofitable to Philemon, but he quickly mentions the change by which he had become profitable. Unholy persons are unprofitable; they do not fulfill the great purpose of their existence.
But what happy changes conversion makes! It turns evil to good, and the unprofitable to useful. Religious servants are treasures in a family. Such servants will be conscientious about their time and the trusts committed to them, and will manage everything for the best. No prospect of usefulness should lead anyone to neglect their obligations or to fail in obedience to their superiors. One great evidence of true repentance consists in returning to practice the duties that have been neglected.
In his unconverted state, Onesimus had fled, to his master's detriment; but now that he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and eager to return to his duty. Little do people realize for what purposes the Lord allows some to change their situations or engage in undertakings, perhaps from evil motives. Had not the Lord overruled some of our ungodly projects, we may reflect on instances where our destruction would have been certain.
"For perhaps he was therefore parted [from thee] for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord. If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself. But if he hath wronged the at all, or oweth [thee] aught, put that to mine account; I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ. Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you." — Philemon 1:15-22 (ASV)
When we speak of the nature of any sin or offense against God, its evil is not to be lessened; but in a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must we. Such changed individuals often become a blessing to all among whom they live. Christianity does not do away with our duties to others but directs us in doing them correctly.
True penitents will be open in admitting their faults, as Onesimus doubtless had been to Paul after being awakened and brought to repentance, especially in cases of injury done to others.
The communion of saints does not destroy distinctions of property. This passage illustrates how something incurred by one person can be imputed to another. It also shows one person becoming answerable for another by a voluntary commitment, so that the second person might be freed from the punishment due to his crimes. This aligns with the doctrine that Christ, of his own will, bore the punishment for our sins so that we might receive the reward of his righteousness.
Philemon was Paul's son in the faith, yet he entreated him as a brother. Onesimus was a poor slave, yet Paul pleaded for him as if seeking something of great importance for himself. Christians should do what may bring joy to one another's hearts. From the world they expect trouble; they should find comfort and joy in one another.
When any of our mercies are taken away, our trust and hope must be in God. We must diligently use the means available, and if no other means should be at hand, abound in prayer. Yet, though prayer prevails, it does not merit the things obtained. And if Christians do not meet on earth, still the grace of the Lord Jesus will be with their spirits, and they will soon meet before the throne to join forever in admiring the riches of redeeming love.
The example of Onesimus may encourage the vilest sinners to return to God, but this encouragement is shamefully misused if any are thereby emboldened to persist in evil courses. Are not many taken away in their sins, while others become more hardened? Do not resist present convictions, lest they never return.
"Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee; [and so do] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." — Philemon 1:23-25 (ASV)
Never have believers found more enjoyment of God than when suffering together for him. Grace is the best wish for ourselves and others; with this the apostle begins and ends. All grace is from Christ; he purchased, and he bestows it.
What more do we need to make us happy than to have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with our spirit? Let us do that now, which we should do at the last breath. Then people are ready to renounce the world and to prefer the least portion of grace and faith over a kingdom.
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