Wednesday, 18 July 2018

…whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. Philemon 1:13

The words, “whom I wished to keep,” refer to Onesimus who was Paul’s “own heart.” He had a great desire that he would keep him there with him.… Read the rest

Tuesday, 17 July 2018

I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, Philemon 1:12

The Greek verb of the first sentence is what as known as an epistolary aorist. It literally reads, “I did send.” The letter assumes the arrival of Onesimus at the time it is received, even though he is with Paul at the time it is written.… Read the rest

Monday, 16 July 2018

…who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. Philemon 1:11

Paul now makes a pun based on the meaning of the name of Onesimus. As noted previously, his name means “Useful,” as in “profitable,” or in “advantage.” Now, using a different Greek word, euchréstos, which carries the same basic meaning, he notes that Onesimus was once “unprofitable to you.”

Philemon had a slave named “Useful,” and his slave was apparently of no value to him.… Read the rest

Esther 9:1-17
Rest From Their Enemies

The verses today speak of rest twice. But there is a difference in what they are saying, as you will see. There is a place of rest, and there is a state of rest. The two are not the same, but they can be united when the conditions are right.… Read the rest

Sunday, 15 July 2018

…I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, Philemon 1:10

The structure of the Greek is much different than it is laid out here. It more literally reads, “I beg you for my child whom I have begotten in the chains, Onesimus.” Placing his name last is Paul’s way of emphasizing the entire thought.… Read the rest