ACC ~ Philemon 1 v1a

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.