Demas the Traitor and Other Fellows (Philemon 1:19-25)

This study was done using the Amplified Bible, which I don't have permission to publish, so I will replace the verses here with the World English Bible (a modernized version of the ASV).  Because of that some of the comments may not totally make sense because the AMP has expanded explanations.  I would highly recommend going to a site like BibleGateway.com where you can read the AMP version for free.

19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides). 

A.  Paul here takes yet again the same route at Jesus, taking the debt of another with nothing to gain but friendship with a former slave.  He is bartering for the freedom of his friend in a more practical way now, and in a more self sacrificial form.  Not just asking a favor, but offering to pay the price for it.

20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord. 

A.  Paul begins to appeal to the man who owes him his very being for joy and refreshing.  He found these things in the work of the Gospel rather than worldly sources.  

21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

A.  Paul is confident because of his knowledge of Philemon.  Knowing that it wouldn't be a guilt trip for him to ask such a favor, but that Philemon would most likely see it as an honor to bless the apostle who had sacrificed so much for the Gospel.  He goes beyond simple obedience to suggest that Philemon would do even more than what he asked.  What exactly he means by this remains a mystery.  

22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

A.  Here we see the faith of Paul in action.  He was in prison as he wrote this, and even though he did not know the exact amount of time he would be confined there, he believed that because of the prayers of Philemon and others he would be released.  This releasing did not depend on the officials of those who held him in prison, but on the will of God and His response to the prayers of His people.  To prepare a place to stay with no guarantee of freedom was an act of prophetic faith, an example to believers everywhere on how to act in that same faith.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 

A.  We know little about Epaphras aside from the mention of him in Colossians 4:12 in which Paul says he was a Colossians as well.  Aside from that we know that he was also imprisoned for the Gospel, possibly at the same time as Paul though we do not know for sure.

24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 

A.  These men were all known by Philemon, as this was not written to a church body.  It is also possible that Paul's mention of them to Philemon was a suggestion that they agreed with Paul's request for the freedom of Onesimus.  
B. Aristarchus is most likely the same man recorded to be with Paul in Acts 19:29 and other places.
C.  The only other mention of Demas is in 2 Timothy 4:10, in which Paul says he abandoned because of his love for the world and went to Thessalonica.

D.  Luke is most likely the same Luke of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.  As he often traveled with Paul we can reason this to be the probable case.

25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

A.  According to Adam Clark, the word "your" in the verse is plural, meaning the blessing to go to all who were in the church at his house. 

No Longer a Slave (Philemon 1:13-17)

This study was done using the Amplified Bible, which I don't have permission to publish, so I will replace the verses here with the World English Bible (a modernized version of the ASV).  Because of that some of the comments may not totally make sense because the AMP has expanded explanations.  I would highly recommend going to a site like BibleGateway.com where you can read the AMP version for free.

13 whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 

A.  Onesimus was such a blessing to Paul that he wanted to continue in their fellowship together.  Paul however, even as the powerful apostle chose to ask permission from Philemon, showing a respect most leaders in the church today do not show.  Paul had a greater position and right, but he chose the humble road.  Most ministers today take the position of power to mean they now have full right to command and demand whatever they want from those under them.  This is a fleshly viewpoint that Jesus spoke against when he said his disciples are not to Lord over one another.  

B.  Ministering in behalf of Philemon is yet another blessing Paul wanted to allow, and wanted for Philemon.  Allowing Onesimus to minister on his behalf would have been a credit to him, and is another nod toward how the slave would have been profitable in a spiritual way to both of them.

14 But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 

A.   Paul clarifies that he wanted the permission of Philemon, and that he wanted Philemon to be a cheerful giver.  This is the same principal taught in anther place that not only are we expected to give, but that God loves a cheerful giver.

15 For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, 

A.  The word purpose is a highlight word which Paul uses to express the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit.  What at have appeared to be an act of rebellion by Onesimus was perhaps orchestrated by the Holy Spirit to bring the slave to His feet.  

B.  To receive him back forever not as a slave but as a brother.  Not just for their time on earth but for the citizenship of heaven as well.

16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

A.  No longer as a slave.  Freedom is always God's ultimate goal for His people, both spiritually and physically.

B.  One wonders why this relationship between Paul and Onesimus was so profound.  Very little is known about the runaway, but clearly he meant a great deal to the apostle.  It must have been a sacrifice for both of them to write Philemon and ask for the freedom of his friend, knowing that Philemon could have said no, a fact we don't actually know.  
     The humility of Paul is very impressive.  He could have kept Onesimus a secret from Philemon.  Without technology it could have been quite easy to hide him and avoid Philemon.  Instead the apostle chooses the right move and shows his righteous character.

17 If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. 

A.  A partner, not simply a close acquaintance or fellow church member, but some Philemon has toiled with.

Paul the Aged (At 56) (Philemon 1:9-12)

This study was done using the Amplified Bible, which I don't have permission to publish, so I will replace the verses here with the World English Bible (a modernized version of the ASV).  Because of that some of the comments may not totally make sense because the AMP has expanded explanations.  I would highly recommend going to a site like BibleGateway.com where you can read the AMP version for free.


9 yet for love’s sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 

A.  Paul though he has the authority to make commands chooses a more powerful force to make his case, just as God did when he chose to send Jesus to die on the cross rather than force the human race to worship him.  In this way Paul gives a choice, which is love's way. Domination may bring the desired order, it will not be a willing one.
B.  Paul the aged.  This letter was written about 62 a.d..  Taking this into account would mean that Paul was in his mid-fifties when he wrote it, and since he was beheaded about four years after writing Philemon, a type of death he knew was coming, one could see why he would consider himself to be aged.  More so when one considers the technology and life span of the day.  The average life span of a Roman was only 25 years old (this being the average because 50% of children died before turning 10).  Those reaching 40 considered elders who often retired about that age. 

Sources: http://www.brlsi.org/events-proceedings/proceedings/25020
    http://www.innominatesociety.com/Articles/Death%20and%20Disease%20in%20Ancient%20Rome.htm

10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus, 

A. Onesimus, whose name seems to be more of second name rather than his birth name in the fashion of Simon being renamed Peter.  The name has been debated, as most scholars are confident that his name means "Useful", while others have claimed it a slaves number, such as "Number One".  

B. Paul most likely converted him because Onesimus was in chains himself for a petty crime.  As he was a runaway slave it comes to reason to think he had stolen food or clothing for survival and ended up in the same area as Paul who saw every encounter with someone new as an opportunity to share the Gospel.  This is conjecture of course, but interesting to think on nonetheless.  

11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me. 

A.  Unprofitable not only because he ran away and ceased to generate income for Philemon, but also because Paul did not consider financial income to be profit.  He considered the economy of souls to be profit.  Onesimus becoming a believer not only brought spiritual profit to Philemon and Paul, but also an opportunity for Philemon to extend grace and mercy toward a man he in the flesh, before Jesus, would have most likely beaten within an inch of his life. 

12 I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,

A.  Calling Onesimus his own heart was an intense statement by Paul, considering the terminology he used to describe each of the others addressed in his letter.  It does put Philemon in an awkward position, knowing that if he mistreats the runaway slave he is in fact openly insulting Paul.  Saying that Onesimus was Paul's heart could be construed as manipulation by Paul, which may have been the case to a certain degree, but it is most likely a sincere compliment by the apostle to show how important the issue was to him.  This way there was no mis-communication and Philemon understood full well how Paul felt.

Effective Through Encouragement (Philemon 1:5-8)

This study was done using the Amplified Bible, which I don't have permission to publish, so I will replace the verses here with the World English Bible (a modernized version of the ASV).  Because of that some of the comments may not totally make sense because the AMP has expanded explanations.  I would highly recommend going to a site like BibleGateway.com where you can read the AMP version for free.

Philemon 1:5-8

5 hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;

A.  How exactly Paul heard of the love and faith of Philemon and Apphia is unspoken.  It could have been a letter, or messenger, from his own time with them, or from heaven itself, but wherever it came from we see that Paul was pleased enough by the report to not only bless them, but commend them in this way.  One may think that Paul could be trying to butter Philemon up with this, but seeing the uncompromising character of Paul in many other places in Scripture would quickly and definitively refute that.

B.  Love toward all the saints is not something many Christians possess.  Much of the time, as much as love is talked about it is limited to friends.

6. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (KJV)


A.  What a powerful statement and deep spiritual truth.  The effectiveness of the sharing of their faith is directly linked to the acknowledgment of the good things God has given them.  Christians so often talk about all the bad things within them in an attempt to appear humble, but this actually destroys their effectiveness in the Gospel.  Unfortunately, on the other hand, when there is a believer who takes this verse seriously and does declare the good things of Christ within themselves, they are usually accused of pride and self-righteousness.  But righteousness ("right-eousness" AKA: doing what is right) in Christ isn't self-righteousness, is Christness, which is our call and we should be open about it.  

B.  This acknowledgment isn't just the good things of God in Philemon, but just as much Paul's acknowledgment of the goodness of Christ in himself.  This is also known as encouragement.  To tell someone they are doing a good job or are gifted at something builds them up, and makes them more effective for the Kingdom.  


 7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. 


A.  We have great joy.  Paul continues not only by maintaining the effective-making encouragement, but shows how invested he is personally in the church.  The consolation is a reminder that Paul is writing this while in chains.  The knowledge that they have such great love for the church eases the pain of Paul's incarceration.  While being in prison it is likely, as is often the case in modern stories of persecution, that Paul may have had doubts about the effectiveness of his ministry.  Learning of the state of the lives and church of Philemon and his associates reassured him that he was not running in vain.  



8 Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,


A.  The encouragement and greeting is now over.  Paul goes straight into his reason for writing.  The tone in turn also shifts to a more serious shade.  


B.  The apostle knew that he had the authority to command Philemon to do the right thing.  There was no doubt on this subject and he knew the recipients of this letter would not refute this fact.  His personality was a bold and fearless one, but it was also measured and controlled.  He knew when to speak boldly and when to take a softer approach.

A Heart in Chains (Philemon 1:1-4)

This study was done using the Amplified Bible, which I don't have permission to publish, so I will replace the verses here with the World English Bible (a modernized version of the ASV).  Because of that some of the comments may not totally make sense because the AMP has expanded explanations.  I would highly recommend going to a site like BibleGateway.com where you can read the AMP version for free.

Philemon 1:1-4

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, 

A.  Paul the prisoner of Christ.  His common greeting in his letters not only because he writes from a literal prison, but also a prisoner of heart to the brother in Colosse.  Similar to one full of new love who can't keep his mind from wandering to his beloved.  This is the heart of Paul, unable to escape the love of Jesus, day and night longing to be with His King.  

B.  Here says "Timothy, our brother" expressing not the brother of Paul and Philemon (though it could be interpreted in that way), but the brother of Paul and Jesus, another endearing view of Paul toward Christ.  He is so in love, and knows Him so well that he even refers to to the letter he writes as being from himself, Timothy, and Jesus.  Like the fourth person in the burning furnace of the three young men in Daniel's book.  

C.  Adam Clarke notes, "...Paul was a prisoner at Rome when he wrote this epistle, and those to the Colossians and Philippians. But some think that the term prisoner does not sufficiently point out the apostle’s state, and that the original word δεσμιος should be translated bound with a chain: this is certainly its meaning; and it shows us in some measure his circumstances - one arm was bound with a chain to the arm of the soldier to whose custody he had been delivered."

2 to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: 

A.  Apphia: In certain translations, such as the Alexandrian copy and Latin Vulgate, this is written, "sister Apphia", and it has been suggested that she was the wife of Philemon.

B. We know from Colossians 4:17 that Archippus was a minister, and almost certainly one of the leaders of the church in Philemon's home.

C. Paul in this simple statement obliterates the idea that the church is a building.  He clearly refers to the church as the people who go to the building, which in this case the house of Philemon. 

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

A. Grace and peace, two of the preeminent and over abounding forces in the Kingdom of God.  

B. Here also we can remember the command of Jesus to let our peace rest on homes that are worthy.  Though Paul was not present physically at the home of Philemon he supersedes the physical with spiritual and declares peace over he and Apphia.  In the same statement he also declares them worthy to have it declared over them; quite a powerful statement when taken into consideration.  

4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,

A.  I thank my God, yet another personal and possessive statement from the apostle.  What an intense love he had for his God and brother.  
B.  Paul says he always makes mention of them in his prayers.  Imagine knowing that the apostle Paul was regularly praying for you!  Scripture tells us that Jesus, who is far beyond Paul, is interceding with the the Father for us (Romans 8:34).  That should be a very encouraging thought for us.  

C.  Also shown here is the love that Paul had for Philemon and this house church which he, Paul, most likely started.  His disciples constantly were on his mind.  He was a focused person, not allowing distractions of frivolous prayers weigh him down.  He prayed what was on the Father's heart, and that eventually became what was on his own heart.