PHall | September 29, 2009
V.18 – Wronged You or Owe You From this verse some assume Onesimus stole from Philemon which is plausible for how else could a runaway travel from Phrygia to Rome? As Paul used a euphemism in v.15, he uses the softer word “owes” instead of naming the crime. This also sets up his next statement [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.17 – If then you regard me a partner (koinonos) Paul poses a question to Philemon concerning equality. (For a Biblical definition of “equality” see 2 Cor.8:13‑15.) It’s possible Paul could be referring back to his earlier use of Philemon sharing with other Christians; if he shared with other Christians and is a sharer with [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.16 – Beloved Brother This answers how Philemon was to have him “back forever.” No matter in what other regard Philemon might consider Onesimus ‑ he is a brother. “A beloved brother” are words used in the description of Philemon (vv.1,7); and now this runaway slave is equal to Philemon in Paul’s eyes. The phrases [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.16 – Slave Definitions: Thayer gives two definitions that fit this passage: “a slave, bondman, man of servile condition, one who gives himself wholly to another’s will”, and “a servant, attendant”. (ibid., Thayer’s, p.1402.) Trench defines it as, “one that is in permanent relation of servitude to another, his will altogether swallowed up in the [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.16 – No longer as a slave, but more than a slave Here is a hint of manumission, but Paul never commands emancipation ‑ only equality (1 Cor.7:22). “No longer as a slave” is elliptical. He is trying to change the focus of his friend’s thinking. The first thing that Philemon should see is a [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.15 – Forever The reason for the parting was “that you should have him back forever (aionios).” Thayer defines aionios as, “without end, never to cease, everlasting.” (A GREEK‑ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Joseph H. Thayer, p.20; 3rd definition.) Their relationship is no longer under the guidelines of the physical laws in society, and [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.15 – Parted Psychology sometimes involves “how you say what you say”. Here, Paul used euphemistic linguistics to soften the sound from “runaway” to “parted”. Vincent points out that the passive voice not the middle (he parted himself ‑ PDH) was used. This was done “as an intimation that Onesimus’ flight was divinely ordered for [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
Up to this point Philemon might argue with Paul, but he could not argue with God. Perhaps (and words similar) is filled with titillation and imagination. This word raises the great question of God’s providence. In this verse we are given two answers: 1) The word perhaps shows man’s uncertainty as to when God [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.12 – Onesimus’ Return This “child” of Paul’s did runaway, but he repented, became a Christian, and is now going back on his own free will (Deut.23:15). Paul assuredly tutored him in his duty both as a Christian and a slave. Tychicus most likely accompanied Onesimus with the letter (Col.4:7 ‑ if the destination of [...]
PHall | September 29, 2009
V.11 – Useless/Useful Some consider “useless” and “useful” to be a play on words on the meaning of “Onesimus.” This is possible but not as certain as the humorous play in v.20. It seems very likely for two reasons: 1) Even though “euchrestos” (useful) is not derived from “Oneesimos” (Onesimus), they both have the same [...]
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