Philemon 1:15 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Philemon 1:15

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Therefore; for this purpose (final cause). Departed for a season. He was therefore parted from thee for a time (Revised Version). Forever; everlastingly (accusative, not an adverb). The relation of master and slave would have been in any case, and would still be, terminated by death.

But it was now replaced by a new relation of Christian brotherhood, which would be permanent—a great advantage. So Calvin, Grotius, and many others. Meyer's objection does not seem of much weight (compare the Perpetua mancipia of Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 15:17).

Baur thinks that in this verse he has reached the core of the Epistle—the ethical truth which it seeks to embody (but see Introduction: "Authenticity and Characteristics").

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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 CommentaryExposition Philemon 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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