Philemon 1:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After saying that many find rest with him, and that he shows gentleness and faith toward all, the Apostle finally begins his speech. In this way he persuades him with particular force.

Indeed, if others receive from him what they ask, then Paul should all the more receive it. If Paul, coming before others, would have been worthy to receive it, then all the more after others.

This is especially so since he asks not for himself, but for another. Then, lest it seem that he writes only for this reason, and lest someone say, If there were no Onesimus, you would not have written this epistle, see how he brings forward other reasons for writing.

Here he praises him for kindness. From Phrygia, his love and faith would not have been heard of in Rome unless they had been great. Since you love all the saints, that is, the faithful, you must also love Onesimus, for he too is already faithful. Through this you will show yourself to be one who loves the Lord as well. Do you see what compelling thoughts he gathers in his mind to obtain the fulfillment of his request?

I always remember you, says the Apostle, praying also for your progress. I glorify the God of all, because I hear what faith you have acquired in the saving Master, how great a love you possess, and what services you deem worthy for those who honor divine things. And I ask and entreat the common Benefactor to grant you complete possession of the good things.

In the twenty-five verses of the apostolic Epistle to Philemon the following parts may be discerned.

I. The introduction (Phlm 1-9). After the customary greeting from himself and Timothy, and after wishing the grace and peace of God to Philemon, his fellow worker, and likewise to beloved Apphia and Archippus his fellow soldier, the holy Apostle Paul expresses his joy and thanksgiving to God.

He has heard of Philemon's labors of love and faith. On the basis of these virtues, he expresses confidence that he could boldly command him in whatever he wished. Yet, for love's sake, he wishes instead to address him with a certain request.

The Apostle thanks God for the good qualities of Philemon's faith and life, and especially for his disposition toward the saints. He wishes that all this may have good fruits in Christ Jesus.

According to the explanation of blessed Theodoret, the Apostle speaks here as if saying: "I glorify the God of all. For I hear what faith you have toward the Master Who saved you, and how great a love you have.

I hear what services you deem worthy to render to those who revere divine things. And I ask and entreat the common Benefactor to grant you perfect possession of the good things."

"I pray," he says, "that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual. In the knowledge of every good thing means that you may attain every virtue, and that you may have no deficiency.

What perfections of Philemon, with which God had adorned him, stirred thankful feelings toward God in the Apostle? Faith and love.

I hear, he says, that you are an exemplary Christian. You hold the faith rightly and firmly, and you are enriched with works of love. I thank God "for your goodness" (Theophylact).

For I confess, as you yourself surely recognize, that the grace of God has made you such.

He said "love and faith," and then "toward the Lord and toward the saints." One can and must show both love and faith toward the saints, as also toward the Lord.

Yet according to the commonly established manner of thought, faith brings the Lord to mind, since it is naturally shown toward Him. Love brings the holy brethren to mind, since it is chiefly exercised in relation to them.