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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Philemon 1:1 - 1:1
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A prisoner of Christ Jesus (desmios Christou Iēsou). As Phm 1:9 and in Eph 3:1; Eph 4:1. Old adjective from desmos (bond, deō, to bind). Apparently used here on purpose rather than apostolos as more effective with Philemon and a more touching occasion of pride as Paul writes with his manacled right hand.
Timothy (Timotheos). With Paul in Ephesus (Act 19:22) and probably known to Philemon. Associated with Paul also in I and II Thess., II Cor., Philipp., Colossians.
To Philemon (Philēmoni). A resident of Colossae and a convert of Paul’s (Phm 1:19), perhaps coming to Ephesus while Paul was there when his ministry had so much influence over the province of Asia (Act 19:9., 26; 1Co 16:19). The name Philemon occurs in the legend of Baucis and Philemon (Ovid’s Metamorphoses), but with no connection with the brother here. He was active in the church in Colossae (“our Corinthians-worker,” sunergōi hēmōn) and was beloved (agapētōi) by Paul.