Philemon 1
Lutheran reading notes
In Philemon chapter 1, the message of the gospel develops the theme of appeal for reconciliation and Christian brotherhood. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy {our} brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Philemon 1:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
And to {our} beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Philemon 1:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon 1:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
Philemon 1:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Philemon 1:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Philemon 1:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
Philemon 1:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Philemon 1:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Philemon 1:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Philemon 1:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Philemon 1:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Philemon 1:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
Philemon 1:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
Philemon 1:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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?
Philemon 1:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
Philemon 1:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth {thee} ought, put that on mine account;
Philemon 1:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Philemon 1:19 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Philemon 1:20 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Philemon 1:21 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Philemon 1:22 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Philemon 1:23 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Philemon 1:24 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ {be} with your spirit. Amen. «{Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.}»
Philemon 1:25 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.