ACC ~ Philemon 1 v17

THE HEART OF THE MATTER. CHRYSOSTOM: No procedure is so apt to gain a hearing, as not to ask for everything at once. For we see Paul only introduces the heart of the matter after praising Philemon and with much preparation. After having said that Onesimus is “my son,” that he is a partaker of the gospel, that he is “my very heart,” that you receive him back “as a brother” and “regard him as a brother,” then Paul has added “as myself.” And Paul was not ashamed to do this. For he who was not ashamed to be called the servant of the faithful but confesses that he was such, much more would he not refuse this. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 3.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: 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 re-ceive him as an apostle but “as you would personally receive me.” COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

JEROME: Let him be received as an apostle and thus as Paul’s companion. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

Philem