ACC ~ Philemon 1 v1 - 7

OVERVIEW: In these opening comments Paul’s humility is in the forefront as he attempts to quench Philemon’s anger. Apphia is probably Philemon’s wife. By addressing the church, Paul speaks to Philemon’s household, including the slaves, thereby increasing compassion for Onesimus. Intentionally Paul offers praise and favors before asking for them (CHRYSOSTOM). Only here does Paul begin an epistle by designating himself a prisoner, in order to make it clear that he is not presuming upon his apostolic authority. He observes the social hierarchy in the order of address, Archippus being the son of Philemon and Apphia, and he reveals to Philemon in a wonderful way his knowledge of the latter’s deep faith and goodness (THEODORE). As Paul speaks to Philemon and the others from his chains, he shows that such hardship is the price of faithfulness to an apostolic calling (THEODORET). The central emphasis in these verses is on Paul’s deliberate eschewal of authority, in order that humility and gentleness will prevail with Philemon (PELAGIUS, JEROME).

1a | Paul, a Prisoner for Christ Jesus

HIS CHAINS. CHRYSOSTOM: For if a chain for Christ’s sake is not a shame but a boast, much more is slavery not to be considered a reproach. And Paul says this not to exalt himself but for a merciful purpose. He believes his chains demonstrate he can be trusted. He does not mention his chains for his own sake but that he may more readily obtain the favor from Philemon. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 1.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: 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.

JEROME: Paul has not used “prisoner of Jesus Christ” in any other epistle as a part of his name, though he has used it in Ephesians and in Philippians as a form of proclamation. Thus, I think it of more importance that he says he is a prisoner of Jesus Christ than an apostle. Indeed, the apostles gloried that they were worthy to suffer abuse for the name of Jesus Christ. Indeed, their chains carried an automatic authority. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

THE GLORY OF SUCH IMPRISONMENT. AMBROSE: How many masters he has who runs from the one Lord. But let us not run from him. Who will run away from him whom they follow bound in chains, but willing chains, which loose and do not bind? Those who are bound with these chains boast and say: “Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy.” It is more glorious for us to be bound by him than to be set free and loosed from others. LETTERS 59.

TRUE HUMILITY, JUST PRIDE. CHRYSOSTOM: Great is Paul’s self-designation. He mentions no title of principality and power but speaks of bonds and chains! Truly great indeed! Although many other things made him illustrious … yet he sets down none of these but mentions the chain instead of all, for this made him more conspicuous and illustrious than these other things. … But it is customary with those who love, to glory more in the things which they suffer for those who are beloved, than in the benefits they receive from them. A king is not so proud of his diadem, as was Paul, who gloried in his chains. HOMILIES CONCERNING THE STATUES 16.3.

1b | Philemon, Beloved Fellow Worker

PROOF OF AFFECTION. CHRYSOSTOM: If “beloved,” then his confidence is not boldness nor conceit but proof of deep affection. If Philemon is a “fellow laborer,” then not only may he be instructed in such a matter, but he ought to acknowledge it as a favor. For Philemon is bringing blessing upon himself, and he is building up the same work [i.e., of spreading the gospel and bringing others to faith]. So that apart from any request, Paul says, you have another reason for granting the favor. For if he is profitable to the gospel and you are anxious to promote the gospel, then you should be the one pleading with me, rather than me with you. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 1.

2a | Apphia Our Sister

HER EXACT STATUS? CHRYSOSTOM: It seems to me that she was his partner in life. Observe the humility of Paul. He both joins Timothy with him in his request and asks not only the husband but the wife also, to whom Paul may be a friend as well. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 1.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: 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.

PELAGIUS: Apphia is believed to be either Philemon’s sister or spouse. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE LETTER TO PHILEMON.

2b | Archippus Our Fellow Soldier

SPECULATIONS ON ARCHIPPUS. CHRYSOSTOM: It seems to me too, that he, whom he joins with him in this request, was also one of the clergy. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 1.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Archippus was their son. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

JEROME: I think that Archippus was the bishop of the church at Colossae. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

PELAGIUS: Archippus is a deacon of the church, as suggested in Colossians 4:17. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE LETTER TO PHILEMON.

2c | The Church in Your House

WHO IS INCLUDED? CHRYSOSTOM: Here Paul has not omitted even the slaves. For he knew that often even the words of slaves have power to turn around their master. This is especially true when his request was in behalf of a slave. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 1.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: 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.

4 | I Remember You in My Prayers

ASKING IN HUMILITY. CHRYSOSTOM: For if others obtain the things they ask, much more Paul. If as an esteemed figure of authority, he was worthy to obtain, much more when he comes in all humility and asks a thing not pertaining to himself but in behalf of another. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 2.

JEROME: Now Paul shifts to his own voice alone [i.e., not speaking for Timothy and himself] and speaks solely to Philemon. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

5 | Of the Faith You Have

A DISTINCTION? JEROME: If the question is asked—“How can we have the same faith in Christ Jesus and toward all the saints?”—the answer is that you have love in Christ Jesus and toward the saints, and you have the same faith in Christ Jesus and toward the saints by a shared property. … It is because the same holiness is shared by the Lord and by his servants, as Old Testament usage shows. As long as we believe in the holiness of God, we shall see it in his true servants as well. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

7 | I Have Derived Much Joy and Comfort

KINDNESSES BESTOWED. CHRYSOSTOM: Nothing so shames us into giving as to bring forward the kindnesses bestowed on others, and particularly when the intercessor is more entitled to respect than they. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 2.