Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philemon 1:22 - 1:22

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Philemon 1:22 - 1:22


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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Phm_1:22

22 At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you.

Phm_1:22 "prepare me a lodging" Paul was expecting to be released (cf. Php_1:25; Php_2:24). The Pastoral Letters (I and 2 Timothy and Titus) record this fourth missionary journey, while Acts ends with Paul still in prison after his third missionary journey.

It is surprising that Philemon is thought to be grouped with Colossians and Ephesians, occurring early in Paul's imprisonment. In these books, Paul is uncertain of the outcome of his trial. In Philippians, which was written towards the end of Paul's imprisonment, he expected to be released. Therefore, this comment in Phm_1:22 may have been (1) a way to remind Philemon that he would have to face Paul personally-and possibly soon-about his request to forgive and accept Onesimus or (2) an idiom for hospitality.

"through your prayers" Paul believed in the power of prayer (cf. Eph_6:18-19). He also practiced what he preached (note the different Greek terms used: deomai, 2Co_5:20; 2Co_8:4; 1Th_3:10; proseuchomai, Act_16:25; Act_20:36; Act_21:5; Act_22:17; Act_28:8; Php_1:9; Col_1:3; Col_1:9; Col_4:3; 1Th_5:17; 1Th_5:25; 2Th_1:11; 2Th_3:1; 1Ti_2:8; proseuchç, Act_16:13; Act_16:16; Rom_1:9; Rom_12:12; Rom_15:30; 1Co_7:5; Eph_1:16; Php_4:6; Col_4:2; Col_4:12; 1Th_1:2; 1Ti_2:1; 1Ti_5:5; Phm_1:4; Phm_1:22).