But without thy mind would I do nothing,.... Which shows great modesty and humility in the apostle, that though as such he had an authority, which he could have used, as well as had understanding and judgment how to have used it without consulting Philemon, or having his sense of this affair, yet chose to consult him: and it also shows the strict regard the apostle had to equity and justice, that he would do nothing with another man's servant without his consent; he would not seem to alienate, or engross another man's right and property, whatever power he might have, as an apostle, to have retained Onesimus as a minister to him.
Bible Commentary
Philemon 1:14
Philemon 1:14
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain
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Philemon 1 — OverviewPhilemon 1 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIn this epistle we have, I. The preface, ver. 1-7. II. The substance
and body of it, ver. 8-21. And then the conclusion, ver. 22, to the
end.
Apostolic Salutations; Gratitude on Philemon's Behalf. (a. d. 62.)Philemon 1 — OverviewPhilemon 1 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePhilemon 1:1, Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.Philemon 1 — OverviewPhilemon 1 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis epistle was written by the Apostle Paul, when a prisoner at Rome, as appears from its inscription and subscription; and seems to have been written at the same time, in the year 60, and sent by the same hand, as the…Philemon 1:1-25Philemon 1:1-25 · The Pulpit CommentaryExpositionPhilemon 1:8-25Philemon 1:8-25 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe have here,
I. The main business of the epistle, which was to plead with Philemon
on behalf of Onesimus, that he would receive him and be reconciled to
him. Many arguments Paul urges for this purpose, v. 8-21.…Philemon 1:12-16Philemon 1:12-16 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe motives that prompted the apostle to send back Onesimus to his master.
I. HE DID SEND HIM BACK. "Whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart."
1. Onesimus did not return of his own…
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