Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Hebrews – an introduction.

An introduction to the book of Hebrews could go on for many long pages and not speak properly of all that it encompasses. And so rather than give an introduction which will inevitably be repeated in substance throughout the entire book, three main points are to be noted.… Read the rest

Monday, 30 July 2018

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philemon 1:25

This final greeting is extremely similar to that of the closing of the book of Galatians. The only difference is in Paul’s use of the word “brethren” in Galatians. That was explained then as being necessary because, despite the temptations of the Judaizers, Paul still considered them brethren and wanted that point highlighted, even at the very last moment of his direct and purposeful epistle.… Read the rest

Sunday, 29 July 2018

…as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. Philemon 1:24

This verse, along with verse 10 (which mentions Onesimus), place the writing of Philemon at close to the same time as the writing of the book of Colossians. Here is what it says in Colossians 4 –

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. … Read the rest

Saturday, 28 July 2018

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, Philemon 1:23

Paul now begins his final words to Philemon. He starts with greetings from five individuals. The first is found in this verse, Epaphras. This individual is mentioned in Colossians 1:7 & 4:12. In Colossians, he is called by Paul, “our dear fellow servant.” He is also noted there as a being from Colossae and “a bondservant of Christ.” Some tie him in with Epaphroditus who was seen in the letter to the Philippians.… Read the rest

Friday, 27 July 2018

But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. Philemon 1:22

Paul has completed his words of petition concerning Onesimus, and so he now changes the direction of his letter using the Greek word homa, translated here as “But, meanwhile.” It is word giving the sense of, “at the same time.” He is assuming that his request concerning Onesimus will be acted on; and so he asks that, while that is occurring, Philemon will “also prepare a guest room for me.”

Translating this as “guest room” is too familiar for Paul’s intent.… Read the rest