Philemon 1:13-16English Standard Version (ESV) 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. These are my thoughts, please share yours. 13 Paul found Onesimus very useful to him and up lifting to him as well but it was not his place to keep him. Paul is letting Philemon know that if he does not want him as servant any more because of him running away send him back to me. 14 Paul knew it was for Philemon to decide the fate for his slave. Paul wanted him to make this decision but was going to allow him to make it and not just keep Onesimus. Sometimes we may think of how people should use the thinks they got but it is not for us to decide it is for them to decide. 15 Paul knew that because Onesimus came to Christ that he would do his duty for Philemon. When we come to Christ it will not spare us for our earthly duties but should allow us to have more of a commitment by serving Him by doing our work. Onesimus knew that God had allowed him to be a slave to Philemon and this is what he was to do and serve God by doing it. 16 He was of the faith now a faith that both Philemon and Paul shared along with him, he was a slave but more important a brother of faith. While Onesimus was a slave now he was made free thru Christ. No matter what we are bound to on earth the Lord Jesus can set us free.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 02:47:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015