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Ambrosiaster

Nicene & Post-Nicene · AD 325–500 · 1,043 passages across 16 books

Commentary

621–640 of 1,043
Matthew 26:27-29

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

(in 1 Cor. 11:26.) And for this reason also do we celebrate under both kinds, because that which we receive avails for the preservation of both body and soul.
Philemon 1:1 · 2 passages

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

Philemon was not ordained to any ecclesiastical office, but he was a worthy layman. Paul sends him a personal letter on behalf of his slave Onesimus, asking him not only to welcome Onesimus back but also to give thanks to God for him, because he would be recieving him not as a slave but as a most dear brother.

to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer. Although Philemon was not a clergyman, he was nevertheless concerned with the deeds of the Church because of his devotion, which is why Paul says that he shared in his labors.

Philemon 1:2

And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

Philemon was not a clergyman, he was nevertheless concerned with the needs of the church because of his devotion.

Philemon 1:3

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul claims that the human race has been blessed by both the Father and the Son. He indicates that the Son is not inferior to the Father when he calls him our Lord, and that the Father is not greater than the Son, when he calls him our God, because the Father will not truly be the Father unless he is also Lord, and the Son will not truly be Lord unless he is also God. Com. on Gal

Philemon 1:7

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

It is clear that Paul says he is happy because Philemon was providing for the needs of the saints. For this is certain that Philemon will obey his requests since it is clear that he is of higher rank.

Philemon 1:8 · 2 passages

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

Though Paul is writing to a layman, he nonetheless does not exert his apostolic authority in order to issue orders but respects Philemon as a faithful Christian and of the same age, one who is bound to Christ as he is.

COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES

Within reason, the master was perfectly entitled on the basis of his apostolic authority to tell his disciple what to do, but because Philemon was a good man, Paul makes an appeal.

Philemon 1:9

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Paul makes an appeal for him. Philemon was about the same age as Paul and also a 'prisoner' of Jesus Christ, which means that he was obliged to do the Lord's buisness or even subject to imprisonment on account of the name of Christ, as the apostles themselves also were.

Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

During his imprisonment in Rome, the apostle had baptized Onesimus, a runaway who had fled to God for help, because he saw Onesimus's potential.

Philemon 1:11

Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Onesimus had been transformed from being uselss to being useful in both secular and divine affairs.

Philemon 1:16

Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Paul humbled him by saying that Onesimus was his brother both in the flesh and in the Lord, for once the issue of human subjection is removed, we are all of the same Adam and ought to recognize ourselves as brothers, particularly when faith, which takes all pride away, unites us.

Philemon 1:17

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

This was meant to frighten Philemon into at least taking him back, if he could not be persuaded to do so out of love.

Philemon 1:18

If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

Paul now removes the excuse for anger, just in case it turned out that he had been so hurt by Onesimus that he would find it impossible to forgive him.

Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

It is usually the case that if someone thinks he is well thought of he will perform better than expected.

Philemon 1:22

But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

In order to make Philemon more concerned and more willing to obey, Paul indicates that he will be coming to visit him, for those who are absent are usually ignored. Why should the apostle have refused to go there, when he was always suffering trials and afflictions, beatings, persecutions and imprisonment, and who had no rest other than in Christ? But Paul offered his flesh to suffering for the benefit of believers, in order to obtain immortal crowns for his soul and body. That way the enemies of Christ would be confounded and God's glory would be increased.

Philemon 1:24

Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Paul bears witness that all these share in his glory.

Philemon 1:25

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

This is the apostle's signature to show that it was written by him.

Philippians 1:1 · 2 passages

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

He writes to the saints in his customary manner, but his intent is to write to those who are “saints in Christ Jesus,” specifically those who confess that he is divine and human.… He is not writing to those who by their own deceptions suppress the truth.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.1.1

He keeps silence about his status as an apostle. He is writing to people who already know who he is and have an informed opinion of him. He suppresses his dignity. He declares his lowly state, because the one who confesses Christ as Lord is all the more free and has salvation.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.1.1

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