1~7절 카드 ↗
Apostolic Salutations; Gratitude on Philemon's Behalf. . 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. I. In the Philemon 1:1 ; Philemon 1:2 of the preface we have the persons from and to whom it is written, with some annexed note or title, implying somewhat of argument to the purpose of the letter. 1. The persons writing: Paul, the principal, who calls himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ, that is, for Jesus Christ. To be a prisoner simply is no comfort nor honour; but such as Paul was, for the faith and preaching of the gospel, this was true glory, and proper to move Philemon upon the request made to him by such a one. A petition from one suffering for Christ and his gospel would surely be tenderly regarded by a believer and minister of Christ, especially when strengthened too with the concurrence of Timothy, one eminent in the church, sometimes called by Paul his son in the faith, but now, it is likely, grown more in years, he styles him his brother. What could be denied to two such petitioners? Paul is not slight in serving a poor convert; he gets all the additional help he can in it. 2. The persons written to are Philemon and Apphia, and with them Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house. Philemon, the master of Onesimus, was the principal, to whom the letter is inscribed, the head of the family, in whom were the authority and power of taking in or shutting out, and whose property Onesimus was: with him therefore chiefly lay the business. To Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer; a good man he was, and probably a minister, and on both accounts dearly beloved by Paul. A lover of good men is one property of a good minister ( Titus 1:8 ), and especially must such love those who labour with them in the work of the gospel, and who are faithful therein. The general calling as Christians knits those together who are Christian; but, when conjunction in the special calling as ministers is added, this will be further endearing. Paul, in the highest degree of ministry, not only calls Timothy, an evangelist, his brother, but Philemon, an ordinary pastor, his dearly beloved fellow-labourer--an example of humility and condescension, and of all affectionate regards, even in those that are highest in the church, towards others that are labourers in the same special heavenly calling. With Philemon Apphia is joined, probably his yoke-fellow; and, having a concern in the domestic affairs, the apostle directs to her likewise. She was a party offended and injured by Onesimus, and therefore proper to be taken notice of in a letter for reconciliation and forgiveness. Justice and prudence would direct Paul to this express notice of her, who might be helpful in furthering the good ends of his writing. She is set before Archippus, as more concerned and having more interest. A kind conjunction there is in domestic matters between husband and wife, whose interests are one, and whose affections and actings must correspond. These are the principal parties written to. The less principal are, Archippus, and the church in Philemon's house. Archippus was a minister in the church of Colosse, Philemon's friend, and probably co-pastor with him; Paul might think him one whom Philemon would advise with, and who might be capable of furthering the good work of peace-making and forgiveness, and therefore might judge fit to put him in the inscription of the letter, with the adjunct of fellow-soldier. He had called Philemon his fellow-labourer. Ministers must look on themselves as labourers and soldiers, who must therefore take pains, and endure hardship; they must stand on their guard, and make good their post; must look on one another as fellow-labourers, and fellow-soldiers, who must stand together, and strengthen one another's hands and hearts in any work of their holy function and calling: they need see to it that they be provided with spiritual weapons, and skill to use them; as labourers they must minister the word, and sacraments, and discipline, and watch over souls, as those that must give an account of them; and, as soldiers, they must fight the Lord's battles, and not entangle themselves in the things of this life, but attend to the pleasing of him who hath chosen them to be soldiers, 2 Timothy 2:4 . To those it is added, And to the church in thy house, his whole family, in which the worship of God was kept up, so that he had, as it were, a church in his house. Observe, (1.) Families which generally may be most pious and orderly may yet have one or other in them impious and wicked. This was the aggravation of Onesimus's sin, that it was where he might and should have learned better; it is likely that he was secret in him misconduct, till his flight discovered him. Hearts are unknown but to God, till overt acts discover them. (2.) This one evil servant did not hinder Philemon's house from being called and counted a church, for the religious worship and order that were kept up in it; and such should all families be--nurseries of religion, societies where God is called on, his word is read, his sabbaths are observed, and the members are instructed in the knowledge of him and of their duty to him, neglect of which is followed with ignorance and all corruption. Wicked families are nurseries for hell, as good ones are for heaven. (3.) Masters and others of the family may not think it enough to be good, singly and severally in their personal capacities, but they must be socially so; as here Philemon's house was a church; and Paul, for some concern that all might have in this matter of Onesimus, directs to them all, that their affection as well as Philemon's might return to him, and that in their way and place they might further, and not hinder, the reconciliation wished and sought. Desirable it is that all in a family be well affected towards one another, for furthering their particular welfare and for the common good and benefit of all. On such accounts might it be that Paul inscribed his letter here so generally, that all might be the more ready to own and receive this poor convert, and to behave affectionately towards him. Next to this inscription is, II. The apostle's salutation of those named by him ( Philemon 1:3 ; Philemon 1:3 ): Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the token in every epistle; so the apostle writes. He is a hearty well-wisher to all his friends, and wishes for them the best things; not gold, nor silver, nor any earthly good, in the first or chief place, but grace and peace from God in Christ; he cannot give them himself, but he prays for them from him who can bestow them. Grace, the free favour and good-will of God, the spring and fountain of all blessings; and peace, all good, as the fruit and effect of that grace. To you, that is, be bestowed on you, and continued to you, with the comfortable feeling and sense of it in yourselves. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also is understood, though not named; for all acts towards the creatures of the whole Trinity: from the Father, who is our Father in Christ, the first in order of acting as of subsisting; and from Christ, his favour and good-will as God, and the fruits of it through him as Mediator, God-man. It is in the beloved that we are accepted, and through him we have peace and all good things, who is, with the Father and Spirit, to be looked to and blessed and praised for all, and to be owned, not only as Jesus and Christ, but as Lord also. In 2 Corinthians 13:14 the apostle's benediction is full: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, Amen. Observe, Spiritual blessings are first and especially to be sought for ourselves and others. The favour of God and peace with him, as in itself it is the best and most desirable good, so is it the cause of all other, and what puts sweetness into every mercy and can make happy even in the want of all earthly things. Though there be no herd in the stall, and the labour of the olive fail, yet may such rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salvation, Habakkuk 3:17 ; Habakkuk 3:18 . There are many that say, Who will show us any good? But, if God lift up the light of his countenance, this will put more joy and gladness into the heart than all worldly increase, Psalms 4:6 ; Psalms 4:7 . And Numbers 6:26 , The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. In this is summarily all good, and from this one fountain, God the Father, Son, and Spirit, all comes. After this salutation of the apostle to Philemon, and his friends and family, for better making way still for his suit to him, III. He expresses the singular and affection he had for him, by thanksgiving and prayer to God in his behalf, and the great joy for the many good things he knew and heard to be in him, Philemon 1:4-7 ; Philemon 1:4-7 . The apostle's thanksgiving and prayer for Philemon are here set forth by the object, circumstance, and matter of them, with the way whereby much of the knowledge of Philemon's goodness came to him. 1. Here is the object of Paul's praises and prayers for Philemon: I thank my God, making mention of thee in my prayers, Philemon 1:4 ; Philemon 1:4 . Observe, (1.) God is the author of all the good that is in any, or that is done by them. From me is thy fruit found, Hosea 14:8 . To him therefore is all the praise due. 1 Chronicles 29:13 ; 1 Chronicles 29:14 , But [or for] who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, both wherewith to offer, and the will and heart to do it. On this account (says he) we thank thee our God, and praise thy glorious name. (2.) It is the privilege of good men that their praises and prayers they come to God as their God: Our God, we thank thee, said David; and I thank my God, said Paul. (3.) Our prayers and praises should be offered up to God, not for ourselves only, but for others also. Private addresses should not be altogether with a private spirit, minding our own things only, but others must be remembered by us. We must be affected with joy and thankfulness for any good in them, or done by them, or bestowed on them, as far as is known to us, and seek for them what they need. In this lies no little part of the communion of saints. Paul, in his private thanksgivings and prayers, was often particular in remembering his friends: I thank my God, making mention of thee in my prayers; sometimes it may be by name, or at least having them particularly in his thoughts; and God knows who is meant, though not named. This is a means of exercising love, and obtaining good for others. Strive with me, by your prayers to God for me, said the apostle: and what he desired for himself he surely practised on behalf of others; so should all. Pray one for another, says James, James 5:16 . 2. Here is the circumstance: Always making mention of thee. Always --usually, not once or twice only, but frequently. So must we remember Christian friends much and often, as their case may need, bearing them in our thoughts and upon our hearts before our God. 3. Here is the matter both of his praises and prayers, in reference to Philemon. (1.) Of his praises. [1.] He thanks God for the love which he heard Philemon had towards the Lord Jesus. He is to be loved as God superlatively, as his divine perfections require; and as related to us, the Lord, and our Lord, our Maker, Redeemer, and Saviour, who loved us, and gave himself for us. Paul thanks God for what he heard of this, the signal marks and expressions of it in Philemon. [2.] For his faith in Christ also. Love to Christ, and faith in him, are prime Christian graces, for which there is great ground of praise to God, where he has blessed any with them, as Romans 1:8 , I thank my God because your faith is published throughout the world; and, in reference to the Colossians ( Colossians 1:3 ; Colossians 1:4 ), We give thanks to God since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus. This is a saving grace, and the very principle of Christian life and of all good works. [3.] He praises God likewise for Philemon's love to all the saints. These two must go together; for he who loveth him that begat must and will love those also that are begotten of him. The apostle joins them in that ( Colossians 1:3 ; Colossians 1:4 ), We give thanks to God since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints. These bear the image of Christ, which will be loved by every Christian. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential will not make a difference of affection as to the truth, though difference in the degrees of love will be according as more or less of that image is discerned. Mere external differences are nothing here. Paul calls a poor converted slave his bowels. We must love, as God does, all saints. Paul thanked God for the good that was not only in the churches, but in the particular persons he wrote to, and though this too was known to him merely by report: Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all saints. This was what he enquired after concerning his friends, the truth, and growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him and to all the saints. Love to saints, if it be sincere, will be catholic and universal love towards all saints; but faith and love, though in the heart they are hidden things, are known by the effects of them. Therefore, (2.) The apostle joins prayer with his praises, that the fruits of Philemon's faith and love might be more and more conspicuous, so as that the communication of them might constrain others to the acknowledgment of all the good things that were in him and in his house towards Christ Jesus; that their light might so shine before men that they, seeing their good works, might be stirred up to imitate them, and to glorify their Father who is in heaven. Good works must be done, not of vain-glory to be seen, yet such as may be seen to God's glory and the good of men. 4. He adds a reason, both of his prayer and his praises ( Philemon 1:7 ; Philemon 1:7 ): For "we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. The good thou hast done and still doest is abundant matter of joy and comfort to me and others, who therefore desire you may continue and abound in such good fruits more and more, to God's honour and the credit of religion. The administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God, " 2 Corinthians 9:12 . return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-8-25" class="com-number"
Pericope (part_of)
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pericope/per-phm-1-001 - part_of
pericope/per-phm-1-002
절 (explains)
bible-text/phm-1-1, bible-text/phm-1-2, bible-text/phm-1-3, bible-text/phm-1-4, bible-text/phm-1-5, bible-text/phm-1-6, bible-text/phm-1-7
Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
> 그리스도 예수의 갇힌 자 된 바울과 우리 형제 디모데는, 우리의 사랑하는 동역자 빌레몬과 사랑하는 압비아와 우리의 함께 싸우는 군사 아킵보와 그대의 집에 모이는 교회에게 편지합니다. 우리 아버지 하나님과 주 예수 그리스도께서 주시는 은혜와 평강이 여러분에게 있기를 바랍니다. 나는 기도할 때마다 그대를 언급하며 늘 나의 하나님께 감사합니다. 이는 주 예수를 향한, 그리고 모든 성도를 향한 그대의 사랑과 믿음에 대해 들었기 때문입니다. 그대의 믿음의 교제가, 우리 안에 있는 그리스도 예수께 속한 모든 선한 것을 깨달음으로 효력을 나타내기를 바랍니다. 형제여, 그대의 사랑으로 인해 우리는 큰 기쁨과 위로를 얻었으니, 그대를 통하여 성도들의 마음이 새 힘을 얻었기 때문입니다. (빌 1:1-7)
**I. 서두의 발신자와 수신자(빌 1:1-2)**
**1. 발신자:** 주된 발신자는 바울이다. 그는 자신을 "그리스도 예수의 갇힌 자"라고 부른다. 단순히 감옥에 있다는 것 자체는 위안도 영예도 아니다. 그러나 바울처럼 예수 그리스도에 대한 믿음과 복음 전파로 인해 갇혀 있다는 것은 참된 영광이다. 이런 사람의 간청은 그리스도의 신자이자 사역자에게 마땅히 진지하게 받아들여져야 한다. 특히 이 간청이 디모데—바울이 때로 "믿음 안에서 아들"이라 불렀고, 이제는 더 장성하여 "형제"라 칭하는 이—의 동참으로 더욱 힘을 얻는다면 더욱 그렇다. 이토록 귀한 두 청원자의 부탁을 어떻게 거절할 수 있겠는가? 바울은 한 가난한 개종자를 섬기는 일에 결코 소홀히 하지 않았으며, 가능한 모든 도움을 모았다.
**2. 수신자:** 주된 수신자는 오네시모의 주인인 빌레몬이다. 그는 가족의 가장으로서 받아들이거나 내쫓을 권한을 가진 자였다. 빌레몬은 선한 사람이었고, 아마도 사역자였기에 바울의 사랑하는 이였다. "우리의 사랑하는 동역자"라는 표현에 주목하라. 그리스도인으로서 일반적 부르심은 같은 믿음 안에 있는 이들을 하나로 묶는다. 그러나 복음 사역자로서 특별한 부르심까지 함께한다면 그 유대는 더욱 깊어진다. 가장 높은 직위에 있는 바울이 평범한 목사인 빌레몬을 "사랑하는 동역자"라 부르는 것은, 교회에서 높은 위치에 있는 자들이 같은 거룩한 부르심 안에서 동역하는 이들에게 겸손과 사랑으로 대해야 함을 보여 주는 모범이다.
빌레몬과 함께 압비아도 수신자로 언급된다. 아마도 그의 배우자일 것이다. 가정사에 관계가 있으므로 사도는 그녀에게도 편지를 쓴다. 그녀는 오네시모로 인해 피해를 입은 당사자로서, 화해와 용서를 구하는 서신에서 마땅히 언급되어야 할 인물이었다. 아킵보는 골로새 교회의 사역자이자 빌레몬의 벗으로, 빌레몬이 의논할 만한 사람이다. 바울은 그에게도 서신 수신자로 이름을 올림으로써 용서와 화해라는 선한 일이 이루어지도록 그가 힘을 보탤 수 있도록 했다.
마지막으로 "그대의 집에 모이는 교회"도 수신자다. 빌레몬의 온 가정은 마치 교회와 같이 하나님께 예배드리는 공동체였다. 주목하라. (1) 경건하고 질서 있는 가정에도 한두 명의 불경건하고 악한 자가 있을 수 있다. 오네시모의 경우가 그랬으며, 그의 나쁜 행실은 떠나기 전까지 감추어져 있었다. 마음은 오직 하나님만 아시며, 드러난 행동이 있기 전에는 알 수 없다. (2) 오네시모라는 한 악한 종이 있었다고 해서 빌레몬의 집이 교회라 불리지 못할 이유는 없었다. 가족은 종교의 모판이 되어야 한다. 즉 하나님께 기도하고, 말씀을 읽고, 안식일을 지키며, 구성원들이 하나님과 그분 앞에서의 의무를 아는 사회여야 한다. (3) 바울이 이처럼 폭넓게 수신자를 적은 것은 모두가 오네시모를 기꺼이 받아들이고 그에게 다정하게 대해 주기를 바랐기 때문이다.
**II. 사도의 인사(빌 1:3)**
"은혜와 평강이 여러분에게 있기를 바랍니다." 이것은 모든 서신에서 보여 주는 사도의 표식이다. 그는 금도, 은도, 어떤 세상 재물도 먼저 바라지 않고 하나님 안에서의 은혜와 평강을 구한다. 그 자신은 이것을 줄 수 없지만, 주실 수 있는 분께 대신 기도한다. 은혜는 하나님의 자유로운 호의와 선하심이며, 모든 복의 근원이다. 평강은 그 은혜의 열매이자 결과로서 모든 선을 포함한다. 성부, 성자, 성령의 이름으로 드리는 이 인사에 주목하라. 모든 복은 삼위일체 하나님께로부터 온다. 우리에게 영적 복이 먼저이고 가장 중요한 것이다. 하나님의 은혜와 그분과의 평화는 그 자체로 가장 바랄 만한 선이요, 다른 모든 것의 원인이며, 모든 자비를 달콤하게 하고 세상 것이 없어도 행복하게 할 수 있는 것이다.
**III. 빌레몬을 위한 감사와 기도(빌 1:4-7)**
바울은 빌레몬 안에 있는 선함을 듣고 하나님께 감사하며 기도한다.
**1. 감사의 대상:** "나는 기도할 때마다 그대를 언급하며 늘 나의 하나님께 감사합니다(빌 1:4)." 주목하라. (1) 모든 사람 안에 있는 선의 저자는 하나님이시다. "나의 열매는 내게서 난 것이라"(호 14:8). 따라서 모든 찬양은 그분께 드려야 한다. (2) 선한 사람들은 하나님을 자신의 하나님으로 여기며 그분께 찬양과 기도를 드린다. (3) 우리의 기도와 찬양은 자신을 위한 것만이 아니라 다른 사람들을 위한 것이기도 해야 한다. 바울은 사적인 감사와 기도에서 자주 친구들을 특별히 기억했다.
**2. 감사의 내용:**
- [1] 빌레몬이 주 예수를 향해 가진 **사랑**에 감사한다. 그리스도는 하나님으로서, 또 우리를 사랑하사 자신을 내어 주신 우리의 주님으로서 지극히 사랑받아야 마땅하다.
- [2] 그리스도를 향한 **믿음**에도 감사한다. 이것은 구원하는 은혜이며 그리스도인의 생명의 원리이자 모든 선한 일의 근거이다. 바울은 로마인들에 대해 "여러분의 믿음이 온 세상에 전파됨으로 말미암아 감사한다"고 썼다(롬 1:8).
- [3] 모든 성도를 향한 **사랑**에도 감사한다. 이 두 가지—그리스도를 향한 믿음과 성도를 향한 사랑—는 함께 가야 한다. 낳으신 분을 사랑하는 자는 그분께서 낳으신 자들도 사랑한다.
**3. 기도의 내용(빌 1:6):** 빌레몬의 믿음의 교제가 효력을 나타내어, 그가 행하는 선이 더욱 드러나고 다른 이들이 이를 본받아 하늘에 계신 아버지께 영광을 돌리도록 기도한다.
**4. 감사와 기도의 이유(빌 1:7):** "형제여, 그대의 사랑으로 인해 우리는 큰 기쁨과 위로를 얻었으니, 그대를 통하여 성도들의 마음이 새 힘을 얻었기 때문입니다." 빌레몬이 행한 선과 지금도 행하고 있는 선은 바울과 다른 이들에게 기쁨과 위로의 풍성한 이유가 된다. "이 봉사는 성도들의 부족함을 채울 뿐만 아니라, 많은 이들의 하나님께 감사하는 기도로 인해 더욱 넘친다"(고후 9:12).
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원주석
- 번역원본
commentary-section/mhm-phm-1-1-7(Matthew Henry, PD) - CC0-1.0 · Sonnet 위탁 번역 · 성경 인용은 WEB(PD) 기반
1~25절 카드 ↗
P H I L E M O N. CHAP. I. In this epistle we have, I. The preface, Philemon 1:1-7 . II. The substance and body of it, Philemon 1:8-21 . And then the conclusion, Philemon 1:22-25 . return to ' Top of Page ' <a name="verses-1-7" class="com-number"
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Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
빌레몬서는 단 한 장으로 이루어진 서신으로, 세 부분으로 나눌 수 있다. 첫째, 서두(빌 1:1-7). 둘째, 서신의 본론(빌 1:8-21). 셋째, 맺음말(빌 1:22-25).
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원주석
- 번역원본
commentary-section/mhm-phm-1-intro(Matthew Henry, PD) - CC0-1.0 · Sonnet 위탁 번역 · 성경 인용은 WEB(PD) 기반
8~25절 카드 ↗
The Apostle's Plea for Onesimus; Salutations. . 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. We 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, Philemon 1:8-21 ; Philemon 1:8-21 . The 1 st Argument is taken from what was before noted, and is carried in the illative wherefore: "Seeing so much good is reported of thee and found in thee, especially thy love to all saints, now let me see it on a fresh and further occasion; refresh the bowels of Onesimus and mine also, in forgiving and receiving him, who is now a convert, and so a saint indeed, and meet for thy favour and love." Observe, A disposition to do good, together with past instances and expressions of it, is a good handle to take hold of for pressing to more. " Be not weary of well-doing, go on as thou art able, and as new objects and occasions occur, to do the same still." The 2 nd Argument is from the authority of him that was now making this request to him: I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Philemon 1:8 ; Philemon 1:8 . The apostles had under Christ great power in the church over the ordinary ministers, as well as the members of it, for edification; they might require of them what was fit, and were therein to be obeyed, which Philemon should consider. This was a matter within the compass of the apostle's power to require, though he would not in this instance act up to it. Observe, Ministers, whatever their power be in the church, are to use prudence in the exercise of it; they may not unseasonably, nor further than is requisite, put it forth; in all they must use godly wisdom and discretion. Wherefore this may be a 3 rd Argument, Waiving the authority which yet he had to require, he chooses to entreat it of him ( Philemon 1:9 ; Philemon 1:9 ): Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee. Observe, It is no disparagement for those who have power to be condescending, and sometimes even to beseech, where, in strictness of right, they might command; so does Paul here, though an apostle: he entreats where he might enjoin, he argues from love rather than authority, which doubtless must carry engaging influence with it. And especially, which may be a 4 th Argument, When any circumstance of the person pleading gives additional force to his petition, as here: Being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Years bespeak respect; and the motions of such, in things lawful and fit, should be received with regard. The request of an aged apostle, and now suffering for Christ and his gospel, should be tenderly considered. "If thou wilt do any thing for a poor aged prisoner, to comfort me in my bonds, and make my chain lighter, grant me this which I desire: hereby in a manner you will do honour to Christ in the person of an aged suffering servant of his, which doubtless he will take as done to himself." He makes also a 5 th Argument, From the spiritual relation now between Onesimus and himself: I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Philemon 1:10 ; Philemon 1:10 . "Though of right and in a civil respect he by thy servant, yet in a spiritual sense he is now a son to me, God having made me the instrument of his conversion, even here, where I am a prisoner for Christ's sake." Thus does God sometimes honour and comfort his suffering servants, not only working good in themselves by their sufferings, exercising and improving thereby their own graces, but making them a means of much spiritual good to others, either of their conversion, as of Onesimus here, or of their confirmation and strengthening, as Philippians 1:14 , Many brethren, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of the Lord without fear. When God's servants are bound, yet his word and Spirit are not bound; spiritual children may then be born to them. The apostle lays an emphasis here: My son, whom I have begotten in my bonds; he was dear to him, and he hoped would be so to Philemon, under this consideration. Prison-mercies are sweet and much set by. Paul makes an argument to Philemon from this dear relation that now was between Onesimus and him, his son begotten in his bonds. And a 6 th Argument is from Philemon's own interest: Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me, Philemon 1:11 ; Philemon 1:11 . Observe, (1.) Unsanctified persons are unprofitable persons; they answer not the great end of their being and relations. Grace makes good for somewhat: " In time past unprofitable, but now profitable, inclined and fitted to be so, and will be so to thee, his master, if thou receive him, as he has since his conversion been here to me, ministering to me in my confinement." There seems an allusion to the name Onesimus, which signifies profitable. Now he will answer to his name. It may be noted also how the apostle speaks in this matter, not as Onesimus's former case and conduct might warrant; he had wronged his master, and ran away from him, and lived as if he were his own and not his; yet as God covers the sins of penitents, forgives and does not upbraid, so should men. How tenderly does Paul here speak! Not that Onesimus's sin was small, nor that he would have any, much less himself, to take it so; but having been humbled for it, and doubtless taken shame to himself on account thereof, the apostle now would not sink his spirit by continuing to load and burden him therewith, but speaks thus tenderly when he is pleading with Philemon not to make severe reflections on his servant's misconduct, but to forgive. (2.) What happy changes conversion makes--of evil good! of unprofitable useful! Religious servants are a treasure in a family. Such will make conscience of their time and trusts, promoting the interests of those whom they serve, and managing all they can for the best. This then is the argument here urged: "It will now be for thy advantage to receive him: thus changed, as he is, thou mayest expect him to be a dutiful and faithful servant, though in time past he was not so." Whereupon, 7 th Argument, He urges Philemon from the strong affection that he had to Onesimus. He had mentioned the spiritual relation before, My son begotten in my bonds; and now he signifies how dear he was to him: Thou therefore receive him, that is my own bowels, Philemon 1:12 ; Philemon 1:12 . "I love him as I do myself, and have sent him back to thee for this end, that thou shouldst receive him; do it therefore for my sake, receive him as one thus dear to me." Observe, Even good men may sometimes need great earnestness and entreaty to lay their passions, let go their resentments, and forgive those who have injured and offended them. Some have thought it to look this way, when Paul is so pathetic and earnest, mustering up so many pleas and arguments to gain what he requests. Philemon, a Phrygian, might perhaps be naturally of a rough and difficult temper, and thence need no little pains in touching all the springs that might move him to forgiveness and reconciliation; but rather should we strive to be like God, who is slow to anger, ready to forgive, and abundant in pardons. And again, an 8 th Argument is from the apostle's denying himself in sending back Onesimus: though he might have presumed upon Philemon's leave to detain him longer, yet he would not, Philemon 1:13 ; Philemon 1:14 . Paul was now in prison, and wanted a friend or servant to act for him, and assist him, for which he found Onesimus fit and ready, and therefore would have detained him to minister to him, instead of Philemon himself, whom if he had requested to have come to him in person for such purpose, he might have presumed he would not have refused; much less might he have reckoned that he would be unwilling his servant should do this in his stead; yet he would not take this liberty, though his circumstances needed it: I have sent him back to thee, that any good office of thine to me might not be of necessity, but willingly. Observe, Good deeds are most acceptable to God and man when done with most freedom. And Paul herein, notwithstanding his apostolical power, would show what regard he had to civil rights, which Christianity does by no means supersede or weaken, but rather confirm and strengthen. Onesimus, he knew, was Philemon's servant, and therefore without his consent not to be detained from him. In his unconverted state he had violated that right, and withdrawn himself, to his master's injury; but, now that he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and desirous to return to his duty, and Paul would not hinder this, but rather further it. He might indeed have presumed on Philemon's willingness; but, but notwithstanding his need, he would deny himself rather than take that way. And he further urges, 9 th Argument, That such a change was now wrought in Onesimus that Philemon needed not fear his ever running from him, or injuring him any more: For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever, Philemon 1:15 ; Philemon 1:15 . There are those of whom Solomon says, If thou deliver them, thou must do it again ( Proverbs 19:19 ); but the change wrought in Onesimus was such that he would never again need one thus to intercede for him. Charity would so hope and judge, yea, so it would be; yet the apostle speaks cautiously, that none might be bold to make another such experiment in expectation of a like gracious issue. Observe, (1.) In matters that may be wrested to ill, ministers must speak warily, that kind providences of God towards sinners be not abused to encouragements to sin, or abatements of just abhorrence of it: Perhaps he therefore departed from thee for a season, c. (2.) How tenderly still the sins of penitents are spoken of he calls it a departure for a season, instead of giving it the term that it deserved. As overruled and ordered by God, it was a departure; but in itself, and in respect of the disposition and manner of the act, it was a criminal going away. When we speak of the nature of any sin or offence against God, the evil of it is not to be lessened; but in the person of a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must we: " He departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever, that upon conversion he may return, and be a faithful and useful servant to thee as long as he lives." Bray a fool in a mortar, yet will not his folly depart from him. But it is not so with true penitents: they will not return to folly. (3.) Observe the wisdom, and goodness, and power of God, in causing that to end so happily which was begun and carried on for some time so wickedly, thus regarding a poor vassal, one of such low rank and condition and so little regarded by men, working so good and great a change in him who was so far gone in evil ways, who had wronged a master so good, had run from a family so pious, from the means of grace, the church in his house, that he should be led into the way of salvation who had fled from it, and find means made effectual at Rome who had been hardened under them at Colosse. What riches are here of divine grace! None so low, nor mean, nor vile, as utterly to be despaired of. God can meet with them when running from him; can make means effectual at one time and place, which have not been so at another. So was it in this instance of Onesimus; having returned to God, he now returns to his master, who will have more service and better hold of him than ever--by conscience of his duty and faithfulness in it to his life's end; his interest therefore it will be now to receive him. So God often brings gain to his people out of their losses. And, besides interest, a 10 th Argument is taken from the capacity under which Onesimus now would return, and must be received by Philemon ( Philemon 1:16 ; Philemon 1:16 ): " Not now as a servant (that is, not merely or so much), but above a servant (in a spiritual respect), a brother beloved, one to be owned as a brother in Christ, and to be beloved as such, upon account of this holy change that is wrought in him, and one therefore who will be useful unto thee upon better principles and in a better manner than before, who will love and promote the best things in thy family, be a blessing in it, and help to keep up the church that is in thy house." Observe, (1.) There is a spiritual brotherhood between all true believers, however distinguished in civil and outward respects; they are all children of the same heavenly Father, have a right to the same spiritual privileges and benefits, must love and do all good offices to and for one another as brethren, though still in the same rank, and degree, and station, wherein they were called. Christianity does not annul nor confound the respective civil duties, but strengthens the obligation to them, and directs to a right discharge of them. (2.) Religious servants are more than mere ordinary servants; they have grace in their hearts, and have found grace in God's sight, and so will in the sight of religious masters. Psalms 101:6 , Mine eyes are upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. "Onesimus having now become such, receive and regard him as one that is partaker of the same common faith, and so a brother beloved, specially to me who have been the instrument of his conversion." Good ministers love not so much according to the outward good which they receive as the spiritual good which they do. Paul called Onesimus his own bowels, and other converts his joy and crown. "A brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord; by a double tie therefore (both civil and religious) thy servant: thy property, one of thy house and family, and now, in a spiritual respect, thy brother in Christ, which heightens the engagement. He is God's servant and thine too; here are more ties than he is under to me. How readily therefore should he be received and loved by thee, as one of thy family and one of the true faith, one of thy house and one of the church in thy house!" This argument is strengthened by another, the 11 th Argument, From the communion of saints: If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself, Philemon 1:17 ; Philemon 1:17 . There is a fellowship among saints; they have interest one in another, and must love and act accordingly. "Now show thy love to me, and the interest I have in thee, by loving and receiving one so near and dear to me, even as myself; own and treat him as thou wouldst me, with a like ready and true, though perhaps not equal, affection." But why such concern and earnestness for a servant, a slave, and such a one as had misbehaved? Answer, Onesimus being now penitent, it was doubtless to encourage him, and to support him against the fears he might have in returning to a master whom he had so much abused and wronged, to keep him from sinking into despondency and dejection, and encourage him to his duty. Wise and good ministers will have great and tender care of young converts, to encourage and hearten them what they can to and in their duty. Objection, But Onesimus had wronged as well as offended his master. The answer to this makes a 12 th Argument, A promise of satisfaction to Philemon: If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, c., Philemon 1:18 ; Philemon 1:19 . Here are three things: (1.) A confession of Onesimus's debt to Philemon: If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught. It is not an if of doubting, but of illation and concession; seeing he hath wronged thee, and thereby has become indebted to thee; such an if as Colossians 3:1 ; 2 Peter 2:4 , c. Observe, True penitents will be ingenuous in owning their faults, as doubtless Onesimus had been to Paul, upon his being awakened and being brought to repentance and especially is this to be done in cases of injury to others. Onesimus by Paul owns the wrong. And, (2.) Paul here engages for satisfaction: Put that on my account; I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it. Observe, [1.] The communion of saints does not destroy distinction of property: Onesimus, now converted, and become a brother beloved, is yet Philemon's servant still, and indebted to him for wrongs that he had done, and not to be discharged but by free and voluntary remission, or on reparation made by himself, or some other in his behalf, which part, rather than fail, the apostle undertakes for him. [2.] Suretiship is not in all cases unlawful, but in some is a good and merciful undertaking. Only know the person and case, be not surety for a stranger ( Proverbs 11:15 ), and go not beyond ability; help thy friend thou mayest, as far as will comport with justice and prudence. And how happy for us that Christ would be made the surety of a better covenant ( Hebrews 7:22 ), that he would be made sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him! And, [3.] Formal securities by writing, as well as by word and promise, may be required and given. Persons die, and words may be forgotten or mistaken; writing better preserves right and peace, and has been in use with good persons, as well as others, in all ages, Jeremiah 32:9 ; Luke 16:5-7 . It was much that Paul, who lived on contributions himself, would undertake to make good all loss by an evil servant to his master; but hereby he expresses his real and great affection for Onesimus, and his full belief of the sincerity of his conversion: and he might have hope that, notwithstanding this generous offer, Philemon would not insist on it, but freely remit all, considering, (3.) The reason of things between him and Philemon: " Albeit, I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thy own self besides; thou wilt remember, without my reminding thee, that thou are on other accounts more in debt to me than this comes to." Modesty in self-praises is true praise. The apostle glances at the benefits he had conferred on Philemon: "That thou art any thing in grace and acceptation with God, or enjoyest any thing in a right and comfortable manner, it is, under God, owing to my ministry. I have been the instrument in his hand of all that spiritual good to thee; and what thy obligation to me on this account is I leave to thee to consider. Thy forgiving a pecuniary debt to a poor penitent for my sake and at my request, and which, however, I now take upon myself to answer, thy remitting it to him, or to me, now his surety, thou wilt confess, is not so great a thing; here is more per contra: Thou owest to me even thy ownself besides. " Observe, How great the endearments are between ministers and those towards whom their endeavours have been blessed to their conversion or spiritual edification! If it had been possible (said Paul to the Galatians), you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me, Galatians 4:15 . On the other hand he calls them his children, of whom he travailed again, till Christ was formed in them, that is, the likeness of Christ more fully. So 1 Thessalonians 2:8 , We were willing to have imparted to you not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us. By way of allusion, this may illustrate Christ's undertaking for us. We had revolted from God, and by sin had wronged him, but Christ undertakes to make satisfaction, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us unto God. "If the sinner owes thee aught, put it upon my account, I will pay the debt; let his iniquity be laid on me, I will bear the penalty." Further, a 13 th Argument is from the joy and comfort the apostle hereby would have on Philemon's own account, as well as on Onesimus's in such a seasonable and acceptable fruit of Philemon's faith and obedience: Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord, Philemon 1:20 ; Philemon 1:20 . Philemon was Paul's son in the faith, yet he entreats him as a brother; Onesimus a poor slave, yet he solicits for him as if he were seeking some great thing for himself. How pathetic is he! " Yea, brother, or O my brother (it is an adverb of wishing or desiring), let me have joy of thee in the Lord. Thou knowest that I am now a prisoner or the Lord, for his sake and cause, and need all the comfort and support that my friends in Christ can give me: now this will be a joy to me, I shall have joy of thee in the Lord, as seeing such an evidence and fruit of thy own Christian faith and love, and on Onesimus's account, who hereby will be relieved and encouraged." Observe, (1.) Christians should do the things that may rejoice the hearts of one another, both people and minister reciprocally, and ministers of their brethren. From the world they expect trouble; and where may they look for comfort and joy but in one another? (2.) Fruits of faith and obedience in people are the minister's greatest joy, especially the more of love appears in them to Christ and his members, forgiving injuries, showing compassion, being merciful as their heavenly Father is merciful. " Refresh my bowels in the Lord. It is not any carnal selfish respect I am actuated by, but what is pleasing to Christ, and that he may have honour therein." Observe, [1.] The Lord's honour and service are a Christian's chief aim in all things. And, [2.] It is meat and drink to a good minister to see people ready and zealous in what is good, especially in acts of charity and beneficence, as occasions occur, forgiving injuries, remitting somewhat of their right, and the like. And, once more, his last, which is the 14 th Argument, Lies in the good hope and opinion which he expresses of Philemon: Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say, Philemon 1:21 ; Philemon 1:21 . Good thoughts and expectations of us more strongly move and engage us to do the things expected from us. The apostle knew Philemon to be a good man, and was thence persuaded of his readiness to do good, and that not in a scanty and niggardly manner, but with a free and liberal hand. Observe, Good persons will be ready for good works, and not narrow and pinching, but abundant in them. Isaiah 32:8 , The liberal deviseth liberal things. The Macedonians first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to his apostles by the will of God, to do what good they could with what they had, according as occasions offered. Thus far is the substance and body of the epistle. We have, II. The conclusion, where, 1. He signifies his good hope of deliverance, through their prayers, and that shortly he might see them, desiring Philemon to make provision for him: But withal prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you, Philemon 1:22 ; Philemon 1:22 . But withal, or moreover. He comes to another thing, yet, as may seem, not without some eye to the matter which he had been upon, that might be furthered by this intimation that he hoped he should himself soon follow, and know the effect of his epistle, which Philemon would therefore be the more stirred up to see might be to his satisfaction. Now here is, (1.) The thing requested: Prepare me also a lodging; under this all necessaries for a stranger are included. He wills Philemon to do it, intending to be his guest, as most to his purpose. Observe, Hospitality is a great Christian duty, especially in ministers, and towards ministers, such as the apostle was, coming out of such dangers and sufferings for Christ and his gospel. Who would not show the utmost of affectionate regards to such a one? It is an honourable title that he gives Gaius ( Romans 16:23 ), My host, and of the whole church. Onesiphorus is also affectionately remembered by the apostle on this account ( 2 Timothy 1:16 ; 2 Timothy 1:18 ), The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; and in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, thou knowest. (2.) Here is the ground of the apostle's request: For I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. He did not know how God might deal with him, but the benefit of prayer he had often found, and hoped he should again, for deliverance, and liberty to come to them. Observe, [1.] Our dependence is on God for life and liberty and opportunity of service; all is by divine pleasure. [2.] When abridged of these or any other mercies, our trust and hope must be in God, without fainting or succumbing, while our case is depending. But yet, [3.] Trust must be with the use of means, prayer especially, though no other should be at hand; this hath unlocked heaven and opened prison-doors. The fervent effectual prayer of the righteous availeth much. [4.] Prayer of people for ministers, especially when they are in distress and danger, is their great duty; ministers need and request it. Paul, though an apostle, did so with much earnestness, Philemon 1:15 ; Philemon 1:30 ; 2 Corinthians 1:11 ; Ephesians 6:18 ; Ephesians 6:19 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:25 . The least may in this way be helpful to the greatest. Yet, [5.] Though prayer obtains, yet it does not merit the things obtained: they are God's gift, and Christ's purchase. I trust that through your prayers, charisthesomai hymin -- I shall be freely bestowed on you. What God gives, he will yet be sought to for, that mercies may be valued the more, and known whence they come, and God may have the praise. Minister's lives and labours are for the people's good; the office was set up for them; he gave gifts for men, apostles, c. Ephesians 4:8 ; Ephesians 4:11 ; Ephesians 4:12 . Their gifts, and labours, and lives, all are for their benefit. 1 Corinthians 3:21 ; 1 Corinthians 3:22 , All things are yours, Apollos, Cephas, c. [6.] In praying for faithful ministers, people in effect pray for themselves: " I trust I shall be given unto you, for your service, and comfort, and edification in Christ." See 2 Corinthians 4:15 . [7.] Observe the humility of the apostle his liberty, should he have it, he would own to be through their prayers, as well as, or more than, his own; he mentions them only through the high thoughts he had of the prayers of many, and the regard God would show to his praying people. Thus of the first thing in the apostle's conclusion. 2. he sends salutations from one who was his fellow-prisoner, and four more who were his fellow-labourers, Philemon 1:23 ; Philemon 1:24 . Saluting is wishing health and peace. Christianity is no enemy to courtesy, but enjoins it, 1 Peter 3:8 . It is a mere expression of love and respect, and a means of preserving and nourishing them. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus. he was of Colosse, and so countryman and fellow-citizen with Philemon; by office he seems to have been an evangelist, who laboured among the Colossians (if he was not the first converter of them), for whom he had special affection. Our dear fellow-servant (said St. Paul), and for you a faithful minister of Christ ( Colossians 1:7 ), and ( Colossians 4:12 ; Colossians 4:13 ), A servant of Christ, always labouring for you in prayers. I bear him record that he hath a great zeal for you, c. A very eminent person therefore this was, who, being at Rome, perhaps accompanying Paul, and labouring in the same work of preaching and propagating the gospel, was confined in the same prison, and for the same cause both termed prisoners in Christ Jesus, intimating the ground of their imprisonment, not any crime or wickedness, but for the faith of Christ and their service to him. An honour it is to suffer shame for Christ's name. My fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus is mentioned as his glory and the apostle's comfort; not that he was a prisoner and so hindered from his work (this was matter of affliction), but that, seeing God thus permitted and called him to suffer, his providence so ordered it that they suffered together, and so had the benefit and comfort of one another's prayers, and help, it may be, in some things; this was a mercy. So God sometimes lightens the sufferings of his servants by the communion of saints, the sweet fellowship they have one with another in their bonds. Never more enjoyment of God have they found than when suffering together for God. So Paul and Silas, when their feet were fast in the stocks, had their tongues set at liberty, and their hearts tuned for the praises of God.-- Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-labourers. The mention of these seems in a manner to interest them in the business of the latter. How ill would it look by denial of the request of it to slight so many worthy names as most of these, at least, were! Marcus, cousin of Barnabas, and son of Mary, who was so hospitable to the saints at Jerusalem ( Colossians 4:10 ; Acts 12:12 ), and whose house was the place of meeting for prayer and the worship of God. Though some failing seems to have been in him when Paul and he parted, yet in conjunction with Barnabas he went on with his work, and here Paul and he, we perceive, were reconciled, and differences forgotten, 2 Timothy 4:11 . He bids Mark to be brought to him, for he is profitable to me for the ministry, that is, of an evangelist. Aristarchus is mentioned with Marcus ( Colossians 4:10 ), and called there by Paul his fellow-prisoner; and speaking there of Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, he adds, Touching whom you received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him: an evidence that he himself had received him, and was reconciled to him. Next is Demas, who hitherto, it seems, appeared not faulty, though he is censured ( 2 Timothy 4:10 ) as having forsaken Paul, from love of this present world. But how far his forsaking was, whether total from his work and profession, or partial only, and whether he repented and returned to his duty, scripture is silent, and so much we be: no mark of disgrace lay on him here, but he is joined with others who were faithful, as he is also in Colossians 4:14 . Lucas is the last, that beloved physician and evangelist, who came to Rome, companion with Paul, Colossians 4:14 ; 2 Timothy 4:11 . He was Paul's associate in his greatest dangers, and his fellow-labourer. The ministry is not a matter of carnal ease nor pleasure, but of pains; if any are idle in it, they answer not their calling. Christ bids his disciples pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers, not loiterers, into his harvest, Matthew 9:38 . And the people are extorted to know those that labour among them, and are over them in the Lord, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake, 1 Thessalonians 5:12 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:13 . My fellow-labourers, says the apostle: ministers must be helpers together of the truth; they serve the same Lord, in the same holy work and function, and are expectants of the same glorious reward; therefore they must be assistants to each other in furthering the interest of their great and common Master. Thus of the salutations, and then, 3. Here is the apostle's closing prayer and benediction, Philemon 1:25 ; Philemon 1:25 . Observe, (1.) What is wished and prayed for: Grace, the free favour and love of God, together with the fruits and effects of it in all good things, for soul and body, for time and eternity. Observe, Grace is the best wish for ourselves and others; with this the apostle begins and ends. (2.) From whom: Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, second Person in the Trinity, Lord by natural right, by whom, and for whom, all things were created ( Colossians 1:16 ; John 1:1-3 ), and who is heir of all things, and, as God-man and Mediator, who purchased us, and to whom we are given by the Father. Jesus, the Saviour, Matthew 1:21 . We were lost and undone; he recovers us, and repairs the ruin. He saves by merit, procuring pardon and life for us; and by power, rescuing us from sin, and Satan, and hell, and renewing us to the likeness, and bringing us to the enjoyment, of God: thus is he Jesus; and Christ, the Messiah or anointed, consecrated and fitted to be king, priest, and prophet, to his church. To all those offices were there anointings under the law with oil, and to them was the Saviour spiritually anointed with the Holy Ghost, Acts 10:38 . In none but him were all these together and in such eminence. He was anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, Psalms 45:7 . This Lord Jesus Christ is ours by original title to us, by gospel offers and gift, his purchase of us, and our own acceptance of him, resignation to him, and mystical union with him: Our Lord Jesus Christ. Observe, All grace to us is from Christ; he purchased, and he bestows it. Of his fulness we all receive, and grace for grace, John 1:16 . He filleth all in all, Ephesians 1:23 . (3.) To whom: Your spirit, meta tou pneumatos hymon, not of Philemon only, but of all who were named in the inscription. With your spirit, that is, with you, the soul or spirit being the immediate seat of grace, whence it influences the whole man, and flows out in gracious and holy actings. All the house saluted are here joined in the closing benediction, the more to remind and quicken all to further the end of the epistle. Amen is added, not only for strong and affectionate summing up the prayer and wish, so let it be; but as an expression of faith that it will be heard, so shall it be. And what need we more to make us happy than to have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with our spirit? This is the usual benediction, but it may be taken here to have some special respect also to the occasion; the grace of Christ with their spirits, Philemon's especially, would sweeten and mollify them, take off too deep and keen resentments of injuries, and dispose to forgive others as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us. return to ' Top of Page ' Titus Tit 3 Philemon Phm Hebrews Heb 1 Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library Website. Bibliographical Information Henry, Matthew. "Complete Commentary on Philemon 1". 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if(parts[1]==='bible'){parts=parts.slice(0,6);parts[2]=translang;parts[3]=transabbr;parts[4]=book_data[book].url;parts[5]=(verse duction ","Verses 1-7","Verses 8-25"]; function
Pericope (part_of)
- part_of
pericope/per-phm-1-003 - part_of
pericope/per-phm-1-004 - part_of
pericope/per-phm-1-005 - part_of
pericope/per-phm-1-006
절 (explains)
bible-text/phm-1-8, bible-text/phm-1-9, bible-text/phm-1-10, bible-text/phm-1-11, bible-text/phm-1-12, bible-text/phm-1-13, bible-text/phm-1-14, bible-text/phm-1-15, bible-text/phm-1-16, bible-text/phm-1-17, bible-text/phm-1-18, bible-text/phm-1-19, bible-text/phm-1-20, bible-text/phm-1-21, bible-text/phm-1-22, bible-text/phm-1-23, bible-text/phm-1-24, bible-text/phm-1-25
Source
source-manifest/mhm— Matthew Henry Complete Commentary (PD)- evidence_grade: T_theological
> 그러므로 내가 그리스도 안에서 마땅한 일을 그대에게 담대히 명령할 수도 있으나, 사랑을 인하여 도리어 부탁하노니, 나는 늙은 바울이요 또한 이제는 예수 그리스도를 위하여 갇힌 자입니다. 갇혀 있는 동안 내가 낳은 아들 오네시모를 위하여 그대에게 부탁합니다. 그는 전에는 그대에게 무익한 자였으나 이제는 그대와 나에게 유익한 자가 되었습니다. 내가 그를 그대에게 돌려보내니, 그를 영접해 주십시오. 그는 곧 내 마음입니다. 나는 그를 내 곁에 두어, 복음을 위하여 갇혀 있는 나를 그대 대신 섬기게 하고 싶었습니다. 그러나 그대의 동의 없이는 아무것도 하지 않으려 했으니, 이는 그대의 선행이 억지가 아니라 자원함에서 나오게 하려는 것입니다. 그가 잠시 그대에게서 떠난 것은, 어쩌면 그대가 그를 영원히 두게 하려는 것이었는지도 모릅니다. 이제는 종으로서가 아니라 종 그 이상으로, 곧 사랑하는 형제로 두게 된 것입니다. 그는 내게 특히 그러하거니와, 육신으로나 주 안에서나 그대에게는 더욱 그러할 것입니다. 그러므로 그대가 나를 동역자로 여긴다면, 나를 영접하듯 그를 영접해 주십시오. 만일 그가 그대에게 무슨 잘못을 했거나 빚진 것이 있으면, 그것을 내 앞으로 달아 두십시오. 나 바울이 친필로 씁니다. 내가 갚겠습니다. 그대가 그대 자신까지도 내게 빚진 것은 굳이 말하지 않겠습니다. 그렇습니다, 형제여, 주 안에서 그대로 인하여 내가 기쁨을 얻게 해 주십시오. 주 안에서 내 마음을 새롭게 해 주십시오. 나는 그대의 순종을 확신하며 이 글을 쓰니, 내가 말한 것보다 그대가 더 행할 줄을 압니다. 또한 나를 위하여 묵을 방을 마련해 주십시오. 여러분의 기도를 통하여 내가 여러분에게 돌아가게 되기를 바랍니다. 그리스도 예수 안에서 나와 함께 갇힌 에바브라가 그대에게 문안합니다. 나의 동역자 마가와 아리스다고와 데마와 누가도 문안합니다. 우리 주 예수 그리스도의 은혜가 여러분의 영과 함께 있기를 바랍니다. 아멘. (빌 1:8-25)
**I. 서신의 본론: 오네시모를 위한 간청(빌 1:8-21)**
바울은 빌레몬이 오네시모를 받아들이고 그와 화해하도록 많은 논거를 제시한다.
**첫 번째 논거** — 앞서 언급한 것에서 비롯된다. 빌레몬이 모든 성도를 향한 사랑을 지녔다면, 이제 회심하여 참된 성도가 된 오네시모를 용서하고 영접함으로써 그 사랑을 새롭고 더 구체적인 기회에 나타내라는 것이다. 주목하라. 선을 행하려는 성향과 그 과거의 표현들은 더 많은 선을 촉구하기에 좋은 근거가 된다.
**두 번째 논거** — 간청하는 자의 권위에서 온다. "내가 그리스도 안에서 마땅한 일을 그대에게 담대히 명령할 수도 있으나(빌 1:8)." 사도들은 그리스도 아래에서 교회의 일반 사역자들과 구성원들 위에 덕을 위한 큰 권위를 가졌다. 그들은 마땅한 것을 요구할 수 있었고 그 안에서 복종을 받아야 했다. 이것은 사도의 권위 안에 있는 사안이었으나, 그는 이 경우에는 그 권위를 행사하지 않으려 했다. 주목하라. 사역자들은 교회 안에서의 권위가 어떠하든 그 행사에 있어 지혜롭게 해야 한다.
**세 번째 논거** — 그 권위를 내려놓고 사랑으로 부탁하는 것 자체가 논거다. "사랑을 인하여 도리어 부탁하노니(빌 1:9)." 주목하라. 권위 있는 자가 명령할 수 있는 곳에서 오히려 겸손히 부탁하는 것은 전혀 체면을 손상하지 않는다. 바울은 사도이면서도 명령할 곳에서 간청한다. 권위보다 사랑으로 설득하며, 이것이 분명히 더 큰 영향력을 갖는다.
**네 번째 논거** — 간청하는 자의 처지가 부탁에 힘을 더할 때이다. "나는 늙은 바울이요 또한 이제는 예수 그리스도를 위하여 갇힌 자입니다(빌 1:9)." 노년은 존중을 요구하며, 그런 분의 정당하고 합당한 부탁은 귀하게 여겨져야 한다. 이제 감옥에 갇힌 노사도의 간청은 부드럽게 고려되어야 마땅하다. "가난하고 늙은 죄수를 위해 무언가 하려 한다면, 나를 위로하고 나의 사슬을 가볍게 하기 위해 이것을 허락하라."
**다섯 번째 논거** — 오네시모와 바울 사이의 영적 관계에서 온다. "갇혀 있는 동안 내가 낳은 아들 오네시모를 위하여 부탁합니다(빌 1:10)." "그가 법적으로, 세상적으로 네 종이지만, 영적으로는 이제 내 아들이다. 하나님께서 나를 그의 회심의 도구로 삼으셨다." 하나님께서는 때때로 고난받는 종들을 영예롭게 하고 위로하시되, 고난이 그들 자신 안에서 선을 이루는 것뿐 아니라 다른 이들의 영적 선의 수단이 되게 하신다. 종들이 묶여 있어도 하나님의 말씀과 성령은 묶이지 않는다. 그때에도 그들에게 영적 자녀들이 태어날 수 있다. 감옥에서 얻은 자비는 달콤하고 귀하다.
**여섯 번째 논거** — 빌레몬 자신의 이익에서 온다. "그는 전에는 그대에게 무익한 자였으나 이제는 그대와 나에게 유익한 자가 되었습니다(빌 1:11)." 주목하라. (1) 거룩하게 되지 않은 사람은 무익한 사람이다. 그들은 자신의 존재와 관계의 위대한 목적을 충족하지 못한다. 은혜는 사람을 무언가에 유익하게 만든다. 오네시모라는 이름은 "유익한"을 뜻하는데, 이제 그는 자기 이름에 걸맞게 된다. (2) 바울이 이 일을 얼마나 부드럽게 말하는지 주목하라. 오네시모는 주인을 속이고 도망쳤으나, 하나님께서 회개하는 자들의 죄를 덮으시고 꾸짖지 않으시듯, 사람도 그래야 한다. 그는 회심했고, 바울은 이제 빌레몬에게 그 잘못에 대해 가혹하게 판단하지 말고 용서하도록 탄원할 때, 그의 마음을 계속 짓눌러 무너뜨리려 하지 않는다. (3) 회심이 이루어 내는 행복한 변화를 보라. 악한 자를 선하게, 무익한 자를 유익하게! 경건한 종들은 한 가정의 보물이다.
**일곱 번째 논거** — 오네시모를 향한 바울의 깊은 애정에서 온다. "그를 영접해 주십시오. 그는 곧 내 마음입니다(빌 1:12)." "나는 그를 나 자신처럼 사랑한다. 그러므로 나를 위해 나와 같이 귀한 그를 영접해 달라." 주목하라. 선한 사람들도 때로 열정을 다스리고, 분노를 내려놓으며, 자신에게 잘못한 이들을 용서하도록 크게 설득될 필요가 있다. 이처럼 바울이 간절하고 열정적으로 많은 논거를 쏟아붓는 것을 보면, 빌레몬이 프리기아 사람으로서 거칠고 완고한 기질을 지녔을지도 모른다고 보는 이들도 있다. 그러나 우리는 노하기를 더디 하시고 용서하기를 즐겨 하시며 용서가 풍성하신 하나님을 닮으려 힘써야 한다.
**여덟 번째 논거** — 오네시모를 돌려보냄에 있어 바울이 자신을 부인한 것에서 온다. "나는 그를 내 곁에 두어, 복음을 위하여 갇혀 있는 나를 그대 대신 섬기게 하고 싶었습니다. 그러나 그대의 동의 없이는 아무것도 하지 않으려 했으니(빌 1:13-14)." 바울은 감옥에서 그를 필요로 했으나, 빌레몬의 동의 없이 시민적 권리를 침해하지 않으려 했다. 주목하라. 선한 일은 가장 자유롭게 행해질 때 하나님과 사람 모두에게 가장 받아들여진다. 기독교는 시민적 권리를 약화하거나 폐지하지 않으며, 오히려 그 의무를 강화하고 올바른 이행을 안내한다.
**아홉 번째 논거** — 오네시모 안에 이루어진 변화로 인해 빌레몬이 다시는 그가 도망치거나 해를 끼칠 것을 두려워할 필요가 없다는 것이다. "그가 잠시 그대에게서 떠난 것은, 어쩌면 그대가 그를 영원히 두게 하려는 것이었는지도 모릅니다(빌 1:15)." 주목하라. (1) 잘못 사용될 수 있는 사안에 대해 사역자들은 조심스럽게 말해야 한다. 죄인을 향한 하나님의 친절한 섭리가 죄에 대한 격려로 오용되지 않도록. (2) 회개한 자의 죄를 얼마나 부드럽게 표현하는지 보라. 그는 그것을 "잠시 떠남"이라고 말한다. 하나님께서 그것을 덮으시듯 우리도 그렇게 해야 한다. (3) 하나님의 지혜와 선함과 능력을 보라. 오랫동안 악하게 시작되고 이어진 것을 이처럼 행복하게 끝나도록 하신다. 아무도 너무 낮거나, 미천하거나, 비천하다 하여 완전히 절망할 수 없다. 하나님께서는 그분에게서 도망치는 그들을 만나실 수 있으며, 한 장소에서 효력 없었던 수단을 다른 곳에서 효력 있게 하실 수 있다.
**열 번째 논거** — 오네시모가 돌아올 신분에서 온다. "이제는 종으로서가 아니라 종 그 이상으로, 곧 사랑하는 형제로 두게 된 것입니다(빌 1:16)." 주목하라. (1) 모든 참된 신자들 사이에는 세상적·외적 구별이 어떠하든 영적인 형제 관계가 있다. 그들은 모두 같은 하늘 아버지의 자녀이며, 같은 영적 특권을 누릴 권리를 갖는다. 기독교는 각각의 세상적 의무를 폐지하거나 혼란스럽게 하지 않으며, 오히려 그 의무에 대한 책임을 강화한다. (2) 경건한 종들은 단순한 일반 종 이상이다. 그들에게는 마음에 은혜가 있으며 하나님의 눈에도 은혜를 입었으니, 경건한 주인의 눈에도 마찬가지다. "오네시모가 이제 그런 자가 되었으니, 그를 같은 공통된 믿음에 참여한 자로, 사랑하는 형제로 받아들이고 여기라." 좋은 사역자들은 외적인 유익보다 영적으로 행한 선에 따라 사랑한다.
**열한 번째 논거** — 성도의 교제에서 온다. "그대가 나를 동역자로 여긴다면, 나를 영접하듯 그를 영접해 주십시오(빌 1:17)." 성도들 사이에는 교제가 있다. 그들은 서로에 대한 이해관계를 가지며 그에 따라 사랑하고 행동해야 한다. "이제 나를 향한 그대의 사랑과 나에 대한 이해관계를 나타내라. 나와 같이 가깝고 소중한 이를, 마치 나를 대하듯 받아들임으로." 그러나 왜 종이요, 노예이며, 그렇게 나쁜 행실을 했던 자를 위해 이토록 관심과 열성을 쏟는가? 오네시모가 이제 회개했으므로, 그가 많이 학대하고 잘못한 주인에게 돌아올 때 가질 두려움을 격려하고 지지하며, 낙심과 절망에 빠지지 않도록 하기 위함이다. 지혜롭고 선한 사역자들은 젊은 개종자들을 격려하고 용기를 북돋아 주는 일에 크고 부드러운 관심을 가질 것이다.
**열두 번째 논거** — 빌레몬에 대한 배상의 약속이다. "만일 그가 그대에게 무슨 잘못을 했거나 빚진 것이 있으면, 그것을 내 앞으로 달아 두십시오. 나 바울이 친필로 씁니다. 내가 갚겠습니다(빌 1:18-19)." 여기 세 가지가 있다. (1) 오네시모의 빚에 대한 인정: "만일 그가 잘못했거나 빚진 것이 있으면." 이것은 의심하는 '만일'이 아니라 양보의 '만일'이다. 주목하라. 참된 회개자들은 자신의 잘못을 솔직하게 인정할 것이다. 오네시모는 바울을 통해 그 잘못을 인정한다. (2) 바울의 배상 약속: 그는 실제로 손수 쓴 것으로 오네시모를 위해 담보를 서겠다고 약속한다. 주목하라. [1] 성도의 교제는 재산의 구별을 파괴하지 않는다. 오네시모는 이제 회심하여 사랑하는 형제가 되었지만, 여전히 빌레몬의 종이요 그에게 진 빚이 있다. [2] 보증은 경우에 따라서는 선하고 자비로운 일이다. 다만 그 사람과 상황을 알고, 낯선 이를 위해 보증 서지 말며, 능력을 넘지 말라. 그러나 우리를 위해 더 나은 언약의 보증이 되어 주신(히 7:22) 그리스도는 얼마나 복되신가! (3) 정당한 권리와 평화를 지키기 위해 문서로 된 공식 보증이 요청되고 주어질 수 있다. (3) 그들 사이의 사정: "그대가 그대 자신까지도 내게 빚진 것은 굳이 말하지 않겠습니다." 자기 칭찬에 겸손함이 있는 것이 참된 칭찬이다. "그대가 하나님의 은혜 안에서 있는 어떤 것도, 무엇이든 올바르고 기쁘게 누리는 것도, 그것은 하나님 아래에서 나의 사역을 통한 것이다. 가난한 회개자를 위해 그의 빚을 탕감해 주는 것, 혹은 이제 그의 보증인이 된 나에게 그것을 탕감해 주는 것, 네가 인정하겠지만, 그리 대단한 것은 아니다."
유비적으로 이것은 우리를 위한 그리스도의 보증을 잘 보여 준다. 우리는 하나님에게서 이탈했고 죄로 인해 그분께 해를 끼쳤으나, 그리스도께서는 "죄인이 그대에게 빚진 것이 있으면 내 앞으로 달아 두십시오. 내가 빚을 갚겠습니다. 그의 죄악이 내게 지워지게 하소서. 내가 그 형벌을 지겠습니다"라고 배상을 약속하신다.
**열세 번째 논거** — 바울이 빌레몬에게서 얻을 기쁨과 위로에서 온다. "그렇습니다, 형제여, 주 안에서 그대로 인하여 내가 기쁨을 얻게 해 주십시오. 주 안에서 내 마음을 새롭게 해 주십시오(빌 1:20)." "그대는 내가 지금 주를 위해 갇혀 있다는 것을 안다. 이것은 내게 기쁨이 될 것이다. 그대 자신의 그리스도인 믿음과 사랑의 증거와 열매를 보며, 그리고 오네시모의 입장에서도 그로 인해 격려받을 것이기 때문이다." 주목하라. (1) 그리스도인들은 서로의 마음을 기쁘게 하는 일들을 행해야 한다. 세상에서는 고통을 기대한다. 그렇다면 위로와 기쁨을 어디서 찾겠는가, 서로에게서 외에. (2) 사람들 안에서 믿음과 순종의 열매는 사역자의 가장 큰 기쁨이다.
**열네 번째 논거** — 마지막으로, 빌레몬에 대해 품고 있는 좋은 소망과 견해에서 온다. "나는 그대의 순종을 확신하며 이 글을 쓰니, 내가 말한 것보다 그대가 더 행할 줄을 압니다(빌 1:21)." 우리에 대한 좋은 생각과 기대는 그 기대되는 일을 하도록 더 강하게 움직이고 관여하게 한다. 주목하라. 선한 사람들은 선한 일을 행할 준비가 되어 있으며, 인색하고 좁게 하지 않고 풍성하게 행한다. 마케도니아 사람들은 먼저 자신을 주님께, 그다음에 하나님의 뜻에 따라 그분의 사도들에게 드렸다.
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**II. 결론(빌 1:22-25)**
**1. 석방에 대한 소망과 숙소 요청(빌 1:22)**
"또한 나를 위하여 묵을 방을 마련해 주십시오. 여러분의 기도를 통하여 내가 여러분에게 돌아가게 되기를 바랍니다." "뿐만 아니라." 바울은 다른 것으로 넘어가되, 이것이 곧 올 수 있다는 암시가 앞서 다룬 사안과 전혀 관련 없지 않다. 빌레몬은 바울의 서신의 효과를 만족스럽게 보게 될 것이므로, 더욱 자극받게 될 것이다. 주목하라. (1) 청하는 것: "나를 위하여 묵을 방을 마련해 달라." 이 아래에 나그네를 위한 모든 필요가 포함된다. 환대는 큰 그리스도인 의무이며, 특히 사역자들을 향하여, 그리고 바울처럼 그리스도와 복음을 위해 그토록 많은 위험과 고난에서 나온 사역자들을 향해서는 더욱 그렇다. (2) 기초: "여러분의 기도를 통하여 내가 여러분에게 돌아가게 되기를 바랍니다." 바울은 하나님께서 자신을 어떻게 다루실지 몰랐지만, 기도의 유익을 자주 경험했으며 다시 그렇게 되기를 소망했다. 주목하라. [1] 생명과 자유와 섬길 기회는 하나님께 달려 있다. [2] 이것들이나 다른 자비를 빼앗겼을 때 우리의 신뢰와 소망은, 쓰러지거나 굴복하지 않고, 하나님 안에 있어야 한다. [3] 그러나 신뢰는 수단의 사용과 함께 해야 한다. 특히 기도는 하늘을 열고 감옥 문을 열었다. 의인의 간절한 기도는 크게 역사한다. [4] 사람들이 사역자들을 위해 기도하는 것, 특히 그들이 고통과 위험 중에 있을 때는 그들의 큰 의무이다. 가장 미천한 자도 이런 방식으로 가장 위대한 자를 도울 수 있다. [5] 기도가 주어진 것을 얻어 내지만, 얻어진 것을 공로로 삼지는 않는다. 그것은 하나님의 선물이요 그리스도의 구입이다.
**2. 동역자들의 문안(빌 1:23-24)**
"그리스도 예수 안에서 나와 함께 갇힌 에바브라가 그대에게 문안합니다. 나의 동역자 마가와 아리스다고와 데마와 누가도 문안합니다." 문안함은 건강과 평화를 비는 것이다. 기독교는 예의에 적대적이지 않으며 오히려 그것을 명한다(벧전 3:8). 에바브라는 골로새 출신이었고, 그래서 빌레몬의 동향 사람이었다. 그는 직분상 전도자로서 골로새 사람들 사이에서 수고했다. "우리의 사랑하는 동역자이며 그대들을 위한 그리스도의 신실한 사역자"(골 1:7)라고 불렸다. 이처럼 저명한 인물이 로마에 있으면서 바울과 함께 같은 사역에 수고하다 같은 감옥에 갇혔다. "그리스도 예수 안에서 나의 동료 죄수"는 그의 영광이요 사도의 위안이다. 범죄나 악함 때문이 아니라 그리스도에 대한 믿음과 그분을 향한 섬김 때문이다. 그리스도의 이름을 위해 수치를 당하는 것은 영예이다.
마가, 아리스다고, 데마, 누가 — 이들의 언급은 어떤 의미에서 그들을 서신의 사안에 참여시키는 것처럼 보인다. 마가는 바나바의 친척이요 마리아의 아들로, 예루살렘에서 성도들에게 환대를 베풀고 그 집이 기도와 하나님께 예배드리는 장소였던 사람이다. 바울과 그가 한때 갈라섰으나, 이제 바울과 그는 화해하여 차이가 잊혀졌다. 디모데후서 4:11에서 바울은 마가를 데려오라고 하며 "그가 사역에 유익하다"고 말한다. 아리스다고도 마가와 함께 언급되며, 골로새서 4:10에서 바울의 동료 죄수라고 불린다. 데마는 지금까지 잘못이 없어 보이나, 후에 "이 세상을 사랑하여" 바울을 버렸다고 책망받는다(딤후 4:10). 누가는 마지막으로 언급되는 사랑하는 의사이자 복음 전도자다. 그는 로마에서 바울의 동반자였으며 그의 큰 위험 속에서도 함께했다. 주목하라. 사역은 육적 안이함이나 즐거움의 문제가 아니라 수고의 문제이다. 사람들은 자신들 가운데서 수고하는 자들을 알아야 하며, 그들의 일로 인해 사랑으로 지극히 높이 존중해야 한다(살전 5:12-13).
**3. 맺음 기도와 축복(빌 1:25)**
"우리 주 예수 그리스도의 은혜가 여러분의 영과 함께 있기를 바랍니다." 주목하라. (1) 바라고 기도하는 것: 은혜, 하나님의 자유로운 은총과 사랑, 그리고 모든 선한 것 안에서 그 열매들이다. 주목하라. 은혜는 자신과 다른 이들을 위한 최선의 소원이다. 이로써 사도는 서두와 결말 모두를 장식한다. (2) 그 출처: 우리 주 예수 그리스도. 삼위일체의 두 번째 위격인 하나님의 아들, 모든 것이 그를 위해 창조된 주님, 우리를 구속하시고 하나님과 화목케 하신 예수—구원자, 그리고 그리스도—기름 부음 받으신 자. 우리에게 오는 모든 은혜는 그리스도로부터이다. "우리가 다 그의 충만한 데서 받으니 은혜 위에 은혜러라"(요 1:16). (3) 대상: "여러분의 영과 함께." 빌레몬뿐만 아니라 서두에 이름 올려진 모든 이와 함께. 영이나 혼이 은혜의 즉각적인 자리이며, 거기서부터 전 인격에 영향을 미치고 거룩하고 은혜로운 행동으로 흘러나온다. 아멘은 기도와 소원을 강하고 애정 어리게 마무리하는 것일 뿐만 아니라, 그것이 들릴 것이라는 믿음의 표현이다. 주 예수 그리스도의 은혜가 우리 영과 함께 있는 것 외에 행복하기 위해 무엇이 더 필요하겠는가? 이것은 통상적인 축복이지만, 이 서신의 경우에는 특별한 적용도 있다고 볼 수 있다. 그리스도의 은혜가 그들의 영과, 특히 빌레몬의 영과 함께 있으면, 그것이 그들의 마음을 부드럽게 하여 상처로 인한 너무 깊고 격한 분노를 없애 주고, 우리를 위하여 그리스도로 인해 하나님께서 용서하신 것처럼 다른 이들을 용서하도록 이끌어 줄 것이다.
원주석
- 번역원본
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