Matthew Henry on Philemon 1:1-7

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God.

Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints.

The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.

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commentaryApostolic Salutations; Gratitude on Philemon's Behalf. (a. d. 62.)APOSTOLIC SALUTATIONS; GRATITUDE ON PHILEMON'S BEHALF. (A. D. 62.) I. In the Philemon 1:1-2 of the preface we have the persons from and to whom it is written, with some annexed note or title, implying somewhat of argume…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:1-25ExpositionJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:1-3The address and salutation. This strictly private letter, which has been well called "the polite Epistle," carries upon the face of it a clear explanation of its contents. I. THE WRITER OF THE EPISTLE. "Paul, a prisoner…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:1-3The hallowing of the ordinary intercourse of life. The salutation. Philemon's house had become a church, and the Church was in his house; thereby the household was made holy. Every household should likewise be made holy…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:1A prisoner of Christ Jesus. He writes a private letter, as friend to friend, and therefore does not describe himself by his official title of apostle. Having to plead the cause of a slave, he begins by putting himself i…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:2Our beloved Apphia. Codices A, D*, E*, F, G, and א (Sinaiticus) read adelphē (sister) for agapētē (beloved), and also Jerome, Griesbach, Meyer; which also has been adopted in the Revised Version. The name Appia, or A…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:3Grace to you, and peace. The secular formula of salutation was χαίρειν (Acts 23:1-35. 26); in Latin, multam or plurimare salutem ant plenissimam. St. Paul's formula was almost invariably as above, "Grace to you, and pe…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Philemon 1:3The Christian family. The family of Philemon was Christian, doubtless, both in profession and practice. Many families at the present day are Christian in profession, but not in practice. The family really Christian may…Joseph S. Exell and contributors