Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. II wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with the parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened : being a continuation of Mr. Pool's work by certain judicious and learned divines.

PHILEMON.

The ARGUMENT.

THis Epistle is different from the other Epistles, because it is written upon a particular Subject of more spe∣cial concernment, that it was wrote by Paul it is not doubted, it hath what he calleth his token in every Epistle, 2 Thess. 3.17. Who this Philemon was, is not so easily determined: Some have judged him a Phrygian, and of Coloss, see Col. 4.9. he appeareth to have been a Minister by Paul's calling him his fellow labourer, ver. 1. his Brother, ver. 7. his Partner, ver. 17. It is conjectured that he was one in the conversion, of whom God made use of Paul as an instrument from ver. 19, where Paul tells him, that he would not say that he owed unto him his own self. He seems to have been a man of some Estate, for he kept a Servant, and refreshed the bowels of the Saints. 7. He had a company of Christians in his house, ver. 2. The time when Paul wrote this Epistle is not certain, it was when he was aged, and a Prisoner, ver. 9. from whence it is evident that it was wrote from Rome; some think it was written before the Second Epistle to Timothy, because ver. 22. he speaks of hopes that he had of being restored to his liberty, ver. 22. and in his Epistle to Timothy, 2 Tim. 4.7. he seems to have no such hopes. He also here ver. 24. fends him the Salutati∣on of Demas, who he saith, 2 Tim. 4.10. had forsaken him. Others think it was wrote after that, when Demas was again returned to him, (but it is not so clear that he ever returned.) It is very probable that it was wrote much about the same time with the Epistle to the Colossians, for Col. chap. 4.9. mention is made of Onesimus as a faithful Brother; there is also mention made of Marcus, Aristarchus, Epaphras, Lucas, and Demas, and Archippus, who are all named in this Epistle, and no more are here named, but Apphia. The scope of the Epistle is evident to reconcile Onesimus to Philemon. Onesimus had been a Servant to Philemon, and it should seem had wronged him by purloining some of his goods. He came to Rome, and was there converted by Paul, being a Prisoner, ver. 10. The Apostle would not detain him, being another mans Servant, but sends him back with this recommendatory letter to his Master. This recommendation was the occa∣sion, and is the matter of this Epistle. In the penning of which the Apostle sheweth himself as much an Ora∣tor, as he had in his Epistle to the Romans, and some other of his Epistles shewed his skill at an Argument, for the Epistle is pen'd with great art, and many Topicks are used to perswade Philemon again to receive him into his service, some such, as would incline one to think, that Paul knew this Philemon was something covetous, and would be a little difficult to grant his request.

1 PAul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ a, and Timothy our brother b, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer c.

2 And to our beloved Apphia d, and Archip∣pus e, our fellow-souldier f, and to the church in thy house g.

3 Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ h.

4 I thank my God, making mention of thee alwaies in my prayers i.

5 Hearing of thy love k and faith l, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus m, and toward all saints n.

6 That the communication of thy faith o, may become effectuall p, by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Je∣sus q.

7 For we have great joy, and consolation in thy love r, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother s.

8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ t, to injoyn thee u, that which is conve∣nient w.

9 Yet for loves sake x I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged y, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ z.

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus a, whom I have begotten in my bonds b.

11 Which in time past was to thee unpro∣fitable e: but now profitable to thee and me d.c

12 Whom I have sent again e: thou therefore receive him f, that is my own bowels g.

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead, he might have ministred unto me in the bonds of the gospel h.

14 But without thy mind I would do no∣thing i, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity but willingly k.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever l.

16 Not now as a servant m, but above a ser∣vant n, a brother beloved o, specially to me p, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord q.

17 If thou count me therefore a partner r, re∣ceive him as my self s.

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, t, put that on my account u.

19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it w, albeit I do not say unto thee, how thou owest unto me even thy own self be∣sides x.

20 Yea, brother y, let me have joy of thee in the Lord z: refresh my bowels in the Lord a.

21 Having confidence in thy obedience b, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more then I say c.

22 But withall, prepare me also a lodging, For I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you d.

23 There salute thee Epaphras my fellow-pri∣soner in Christ Jesus e.

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas my fellow labourers f.

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

Notes

• Eph. 4.1. 2 Tim. 1.8.
• a

  That is, for the sake of Christ, for the Gospel, and for preaching of Jesus Christ;
• b

  from whence it is evident that Timothy was come to Paul at Rome, according to his desire, 2 Tim. 4.9, 22. before this Epistle was wrote, which manifest∣eth that Second Epistle not to have been the last he wrote; the Apostle useth to join some others with himself in his Sa∣lutation, So••thenes 1 Cor. 1. 1 Timothy 2 Cor. 1.1. Phil. 1.1. Col. 1.1. 1 Thess. 1.1. (where Sylvanus also is added) from whence it appeareth that Timothy was Pauls ordinary Companion, and the Apostle sheweth his Humility in joining the name of so young a man with his own;
• c

  whence we gather that Phile∣mon was not a Christian only, but a Minister, probably one of the Ministers in Coloss in Phrygia, for it appeareth Col. 4.9. that Onesimus his Servant was a Colossian.
• d

  Apphia was the Roman Name of a Woman, the naming of her before Archippus (a Minister) makes it probable she was Phi∣lemons Wife.
• e

  It appears this Archippus was a Minister from Colos. 4.17.
• Phil. 2.25.
• f

  He calleth him his fellow-Souldier, because he was ingaged in some of those many dangers Paul incountred, but we are not told in Scripture which.
• g

  All those Christians that live in thy Family, we have the like expression, Rom. 16.5. 1 Cor. 16.19. Col. 4.15. the Apostle doth not alwaies by the term Church signifie a body under Ecclesiastical Discipline, but sometimes calleth a Company of Christians ordinarily conver∣sing together by that Name: Those who think the body of the Church were wont constantly to meet in Philemon's House, seem not to consider how the dangers of those times made such a thing hardly practicable.
• h

  The common salutation, vid. the notes on Rom. 1.7. 1 Cor. 1.3. 2 Cor. 1.2, &c.
• 1 Thess. 1, 2. 2 Thess. 1.3.
• i

  See the Annotat. on 2 Tim. 1.3.
• Eph. 1.15. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 1.4.
• k

  Thy love to God and to the Saints, ver. 7. the Apostle putteth Love here before Faith, contrary to the true order of those spiritual habits, for Love must be the Fruit of Faith which worketh by love, and to his own order in other places, 1 Tim. 2 7. 2 Tim. 1.13. possibly to shew us that he spake of that Love, which is conjoyned with Faith, and of that Faith, which shew∣eth its truth by Love.
• l

  Faith in Christ.
• m

  That Faith which thou hast in Christ, reposing thy confidence in him for Salva∣tion, and that love which worketh in thee towards Christ.
• n

  And is seen in thy readiness to do good to all Christians, such espe∣cially as are Saints indeed, because thy goodness extendeth not to God, thou shewest it to the Saints that are in the Earth, and to the excellent like David, Psal. 16.3.
• o

  The word sometimes signifieth communion, in all which there is a mutual communication betwixt those with whom the communion is. That thou mayest declare that thou hast the same common Faith with us, thou communicatest the fruits of it.
• p

  And shewest that it is not a dead inoperative Faith, but the true Faith of Gods Elect, Titus 1.1. working by Love, Gal. 5.6. and shewing it self by good works, Iam. 2.18.
• q

  That every good thing, every good habit of Grace which Jesus Christ hath wrought in thy Soul might be acknowledged by others (the Servants of Christ) to whom thou declarest thy Love and Good∣ness.
• r

  Thy Love doth not extend only to the poor distressed Saints helped, and releived by thee, but it hath its effect upon others together with my self, it is a wonderful joy, and comfort to us to hear, that God hath so opened, and enlarged thy heart, the fruit of Grace in one, are a true cause of joy, and thanksgiving to all Christians, because God by them is glorified.
• s

  The Saints, or the bowels of the Saints, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are brought to a rest, as travellers after their journey, or labourers after their dayes labour, when they come to sit still.
• •• Thess. 2.6.
• t

  In the Greek it is wherefore having much 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, bold∣ness, liberty or freedom of speech, or much power and autho∣rity or right as Heb. 10.19. for Christs sake, being Christs Apostle, or speaking for the sake of Christ.
• u

  To command thee, authoritatively.
• w

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, things that are expedi∣ent, or convenient fit for thee to do. My office authorizeth me in such cases.
• x

  Writing to thee in a cause of Love, where so good, and charitable a man may have an opportunity to express his charity. Or rather, out of my Love and Kindness to thee, perswading me that I need not use my Apostolical authority to such a bro∣ther, and friend I beseech thee
• y

  being such a one as Paul now much in years, and not like to trouble thee long with any re∣quest. Or Paul the Elder by office, one who is thy brother in the Ministry.
• z

  And now a Prisoner for Christs sake, and so can∣not personally speak to thee, and I know such is thy piety, that my being a sufferer for the sake of Christ, will not render my pe∣tition to thee less acceptable or to be regarded less.
• a

  Onesimus lately thy servant (the same mentioned Col. 4.9.) but my Son.
• 1 Cor. 4.15. Gal. 4.19.
• b

  Not naturally, but spiritually, to whom I have been a spiritual Father, and begotten him to Christ in my old age, and while I have been here suffering as a Prisoner.
• d

  But now 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, profitable, one that may be profitable to thee having learned Christ, and to me, who have used him in my service, and whose conversion will add to my crown.
• c

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he useth a soft word, for it appears ver. 18. he had wronged him; taking away some of his Goods, and running away with them, without Philemon's knowledge, which made him doubly criminal.
• e

  He comes not of his own head, but upon my perswasion, and upon my errand
• f

  I therefore beseech thee, to receive him kindly, and entertain him in thy house.
• g

  Whom I love, as I love my own Soul, thou canst not therefore be unkind to him, but it will reflect upon me.
• h

  I have such an opinion of his sincerity, that I would wil∣lingly have kept him with me that he might while I am a Priso∣ner for the Gospel of Christ, have done those offices for me, which thou wouldst have done, hadst thou been here.
• i

  But he was thy servant, and I would not do it without thy knowledge, and consent, that it might not be thought that thou hadst done me a kindness necessarily, but that thou mightest do it freely, which seems to argue that St. Paul expected, that he being reconciled to Onesimus should send him back to Paul: un∣less he means the benefit done to Onesimus, in not revenging the wrong he had done him should not be of Necessity because he was out of his reach, but freely having him first in his po∣wer:
• 2 Cor. 9.7.
• l

  Onesimus in departing designed no such thing, but po∣ssibly God in the wisdom of his Providence suffered him to de∣part from thee, and to fall into theft, that he might upon that occasion come to a quicker sense, and conviction of sin, and see a need of a Saviour and being turned from sin unto God, and im∣braced Christ our common Saviour, thou mightest receive, love, and imbrace him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, for ever, this ever, in this life, that is, so long as you both should live.
• m

  Not now meerly as a Servant.
• n

  But as one that deserv∣eth much more kindness then a Servant.
• o

  Being a Christian deservedly to be loved.
• p

  Especially of me who have a spiri∣tual relation to him, as the instrument of his conversion, and as he hath been useful in ministring to me in Prison.
• q

  But how much more to thee to whom he stands not onely in the relation of a Brother, being converted to the Christian Faith, but in the Flesh, as thy Kinsman, or thy Servant, or one of thy Family, or thy Countrey man, one of the same Town and Place.
• r

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, one with whom thou hast communion, a partner in the same Grace of the Gospel, and in the same trials and affli∣ctions of the Gospel.
• s

  Do not only forgive him, but kindly en∣tertain him, who is my friend, as thou wouldst do my self.
• t

  If he hath any way been unfaithful, if he hath taken any thing from thee, or be in thy debt.
• u

  Charge that upon me, let me be accountable to thee for it.
• w

  Thou hast it here under my hand, I take upon me to satis∣fie thee Onesimus his debt, yet
• x

  I could tell thee, that thou owest me more then it can be, even thy own self, God having made use of me as an instrument to convert, and turn thee unto God. Such persons are great debtors to their spiritual Fathers, Rom. 15.27.
• y

  The particle 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is used in swearing, affirming, perswading, intreating, the latter seemeth here most proper, as much as of all love, brother.
• z

  It will rejoice my heart, to see thee chari∣table and obedient to my Monitions, let me have a spiritual joy from thy satisfaction of me in what I desire.
• a

  Either Onesi∣mus whom ver. 12. he had called his bowells. Or my inward man.
• 2 Cor. 7.16.
• b

  I have not written this without a confidence that thou in this thing wilt do what I desire of thee.
• c

  But I write it out of my affection to poor Onesimus, and desire to help him not doubt∣ing of thy readiness to do the thing.
• Phil. 1.25. and 2.24.
• 2 Cor. 1.11.
• d

  This would incline one to think that this Epistle was writ∣ten, before the second Epistle to Timothy, for there chap. 4.6, 7, 8. he seems to have other apprehensions: yet it is plain Timothy was with Paul, when he wrote this, which he was not when that second Epistle was written, as appears from chap. 4.9, 21. Here upon a confidence that through the help of the Churches Prayers, he should again come to them, he writeth to Philemon to prepare him a lodging.
• e

  We read of this Epaphras, Col. 1.7. where he is called Pauls fellow Servant, and a faithful Minister of Christ, he was with Paul at Rome, Col. 4.12. but there is no mention of him as a Prisoner, but now he was a fellow Prisoner with Paul, either in the same place, or upon the same account.
• Col. 4.14.
• f

  All Ministers of the Gospel, they are also named, Colos. 4.10.14. they were all at this time at Rome with Paul, see Acts 12.12.25. and 15.37, 39. and 19.29. and 20.4. and 27.2. 2 Tim. 4.10.
• g

  See the Notes on Gal. 6.18. see also Rom. 16.24. 1 Cor. 16.23. Phil. 4.23. 2 Thess. 3.18. with your spirit is the same as with you. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, he means the spirit of Christ in all its gracious emanations, we have his meaning fully, 2 Cor. 13.14. The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ, and the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen, is a particle of Praying and affirm∣ing, by which he declareth his earnest desire it might be so, and also his Faith that it should be so. Nor doth he pray for Phile∣mon alone, (though the Epistle chiefly concerned him) but for all those who at Colosse had with him obtained like precious Faith.