Theodore of Mopsuestia

In his own words on Philemon

• Philemon 1:1

  The wearing of such chains would be a vile thing only if Paul refused them out of lack of concern for the salvation of others.

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:2

  Paul makes a point of greeting Philemon and Apphia equally. He wishes to indicate thereby that in no way is there a difference of faith or strength of faith between men and women.

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:2

  While keeping the social order here, Paul does not call some indiscriminate multitude "the church," but only those who are bound together in faith. This bond sets the frame for Paul's appeal in the letter.

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:9

  Paul shows here what power his name alone has.

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:10

  Now Paul uses the name of Onesimus, but only after signaling the profound change that has occurred [i.e., Onesimus's conversion].

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:13

  Paul indicates that had he kept Onesimus, the result would have been that he could serve Paul as an extension of Philemon's service and thus have been a source of gain for Philemon.

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:15

  Clearly Onesimus's flight has served to reverse the wickedness of his judgment. The "perhaps," however, makes Paul more persuasive [i.e., Paul puts this thought forward as a consideration for Philemon].

  COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON

• Philemon 1:17

  Paul argues that what he desires of Philemon is consistent with the shared faith and shared condition of believers. The injunction to receive Onesimus as if he were Paul does not mean Philemon should receive him as an apostle but "as you would personally receive me."

  Commentary on Philemon

• Philemon 1:19

  Paul says, "I make this promise to you, since you yourself see the abundant rewards that God's mercy has in store when you exercise goodness toward Onesimus. You ought to think on these things in the light of what you owe to me, though I ought not to refer to it."

  Commentary on Philemon