ACC ~ Philemon 1 v13

CAREFUL GROUNDWORK. CHRYSOSTOM: Be careful to observe how much groundwork is necessary before Paul honorably brought Onesimus before his master. Observe how wisely he has done this. See for how much he makes Philemon answerable and how much he honors Onesimus. You have found, he says, a way by which you may through Onesimus repay your service to me. Here Paul shows that he has considered Philemon’s advantage more than that of his slave and that he deeply respects him. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 2.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: 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.

THEODORET OF CYR: The idea that Paul could have kept Onesimus with him to minister to him in Philemon’s place shows the great power of the gospel: that the servant is made equal to the master. INTERPRETATION OF THE LETTER TO PHILEMON.

Philem