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Titus 1:3
3 But [de] hath [phaneroo] in due [idios] times [kairos] manifested [phaneroo] his [autos] word [logos] through [en] preaching [kerugma], which [hos] is committed [pisteuo] unto me [ego] according to [kata] the commandment [epitage] of God [theos] our [hemon] Saviour [soter]; KJV-Interlinear
3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; NASB
God set out His promises in eternity past. Obviously man could not come to know about them until they were revealed.
So, God, at the appropriate time in history, revealed His plan, mandates, principles of truth, doctrines, promises and so forth.
And this information was made known to the appropriate degree so as to help people at any point in history, to be saved and grow up to spiritual maturity.
Adam and Eve knew of the promise of the Savior. ‘The seed of the woman.’ ‘Crush his head,’ and other passages. Adam and Eve knew of the sacrifices and their meanings. They were provided clothes of animal skins.
Where did these skins come from – animals sacrificed. Cain and Abel fought over their respective sacrifices. Or rather Cain killed Abel because of the rejection of his (Cain’s) false sacrifice.
Throughout the scriptures, the prophecies of the Savior were made known. From the family line to the designating star, to the change is rule over the nation, to the precise day of His birth. All of this and far more, was made known during the Old Testament times.
Our dispensation was kept secret and not revealed until the time of its inception. The identity of the Anti-Christ will not be revealed until after the Rapture. Millennial doctrines will not be revealed until that future time. Truth for eternity is reserved until after human history is concluded.
Each dispensation, each generation, each era of time in history brought with it various revelations from God, through human teachers, and here Paul states that he was given the honor of being entrusted with doctrine, in his day. And as he probably did not realize, for all of history after his time.
Jesus Christ is God. He has existed for all of eternity. There was never a time when He did not exist.
Now the humanity of Jesus was born as we are all born into this world, but Jesus Christ is the single and only unique person in all of the universe and heaven, in that He is both God and man, in one person.
This is often times called the hypostatic union. Even the Old Testament reveals this union, Deut. 6:4, ‘Hear O Israel. The Lord is God. The Lord is one.’ The word for ‘one’ means unique.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Titus 1:2
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Titus 1:2
2 In [epi] hope [elpis] of eternal [aionios] life [zoe], which [hos] God [theos], that cannot lie [apseudes], promised [epaggello] before [pro] the world [aionios] began [chronos]; KJV-Interlinear
2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, NASB
Eternal life sits in contrast to forever life, which we all have when we are born into this world. However, forever life does not get us into heaven as does eternal life.
When God creates the human soul and imputes human life in it, that life will live forever. The only question is, ‘Where?’ that life will be lived.
For unbelievers it will be lived in the Lake of Fire, forever.
For believers is will be lived in heaven, with eternal God, therefore eternal life.
The ‘hope’ is not wishful thinking. ‘Oh I hope, this or that!’
Hope here is confidence in a result because we believe in the one making us the promise of eternal life. God is our hope, our confidence. We know for sure, because God does not lie, God cannot lie. God is truth. God is immutable and cannot change even His own character and essence.
Therefore, based on our belief and faith in the savior promised and who has come into this world, and died on the Cross in our place, we can have confidence that when we leave this world, God has waiting for us, a better place in heaven, and it is there for us for all of eternity.
Once saved, always saved. Once you believe in the Lord, you cannot undo your belief in Him. Once you have been born, you cannot undo your birth.
There is nothing that you can think, say, or do, there are no sets of circumstances that can remove your salvation and eternal life. Neither man, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers can undo or remove you from Gods protective custody.
Only an arrogant person can think that he can undo what God has done. Only an arrogant person can think that he can discover some sin, some bad thing that was somehow overlooked at the Cross.
This promise was made by God not just in this life, not just during human history, but before the ages (plural - known and unknown ages). In eternity past, God set out His decrees. The Divine Decrees are a Christian principle that recognizes that God looked down through the tunnel of time and saw every possible scenario for history. And there are an infinite number of sets of possibilities.
God selected the best scenario and opportunity for each and every person who will ever live, and established that as His plan. We call this plan the Divine Decrees. In this plan, He included the promise for eternal life, a promise which no one can remove, alter, or prevent.
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Titus 1:2
2 In [epi] hope [elpis] of eternal [aionios] life [zoe], which [hos] God [theos], that cannot lie [apseudes], promised [epaggello] before [pro] the world [aionios] began [chronos]; KJV-Interlinear
2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, NASB
Eternal life sits in contrast to forever life, which we all have when we are born into this world. However, forever life does not get us into heaven as does eternal life.
When God creates the human soul and imputes human life in it, that life will live forever. The only question is, ‘Where?’ that life will be lived.
For unbelievers it will be lived in the Lake of Fire, forever.
For believers is will be lived in heaven, with eternal God, therefore eternal life.
The ‘hope’ is not wishful thinking. ‘Oh I hope, this or that!’
Hope here is confidence in a result because we believe in the one making us the promise of eternal life. God is our hope, our confidence. We know for sure, because God does not lie, God cannot lie. God is truth. God is immutable and cannot change even His own character and essence.
Therefore, based on our belief and faith in the savior promised and who has come into this world, and died on the Cross in our place, we can have confidence that when we leave this world, God has waiting for us, a better place in heaven, and it is there for us for all of eternity.
Once saved, always saved. Once you believe in the Lord, you cannot undo your belief in Him. Once you have been born, you cannot undo your birth.
There is nothing that you can think, say, or do, there are no sets of circumstances that can remove your salvation and eternal life. Neither man, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers can undo or remove you from Gods protective custody.
Only an arrogant person can think that he can undo what God has done. Only an arrogant person can think that he can discover some sin, some bad thing that was somehow overlooked at the Cross.
This promise was made by God not just in this life, not just during human history, but before the ages (plural - known and unknown ages). In eternity past, God set out His decrees. The Divine Decrees are a Christian principle that recognizes that God looked down through the tunnel of time and saw every possible scenario for history. And there are an infinite number of sets of possibilities.
God selected the best scenario and opportunity for each and every person who will ever live, and established that as His plan. We call this plan the Divine Decrees. In this plan, He included the promise for eternal life, a promise which no one can remove, alter, or prevent.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Titus 1:1
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Titus 1:1
1 Paul [Paulos], a servant [doulos] of God [theos], and [de] an apostle [apostolos] of Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos], according to [kata] the faith [pistis] of God's [theos] elect [eklektos], and [kai] the acknowledging [epignosis] of the truth [aletheia] which [ho] is after [kata] godliness [eusebeia]; KJV-Interlinear
1 Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, NASB
Paul identifies himself as the writer of this letter. Paul was once known by his Hebrew name, Saul. Paul is his gentile (Roman) name.
He is commonly referred to as the messenger, the missionary of the gospel and scripture, to the gentiles.
The timeline of Pauls life is not specifically known, but most agree that his conversion to Christianity came in the mid 30’s A.D., perhaps around 35 A.D., when Jesus Himself confronted him while he was traveling along the road.
Prior to his Christian life, Paul was known as Saul, as he pursued the persecution of Christians in the name of good in behalf of the Levitical Priesthood.
Once he came face to face to Christ, Saul’s life changed in a very dramatic way. And he subsequently became the most prominent writer of the New Testament scriptures, and the one to whom even the other apostles looked to for answers for understanding of the more complex Biblical principles.
Paul identifies himself as a slave, a voluntary slave as it were, of Christ. Having placed himself, and his entire life, at Christ’s disposal.
Pauls faith did not come in the flash of light he witnessed along the road, but by the same means as faith comes to every new believer. He listened and studied, and learned doctrine all over again. Placing his former views and understandings aside, and during the three years following his conversion to Christianity, Paul studied intensely in a crash course of doctrinal study.
Far too often people have a tendency to retain their former beliefs and try to incorporate them into their current studies. This only promotes conflict, and difficulty in learning truth.
Faith comes through believing, and knowledge comes through study, and godliness comes through growth in ones spiritual life. It was the same for Adam, for Paul, and is the same for you. They did not have any advantages with God, any more so than you have now.
Every person who has the breath of life in them, has the opportunity to advance in their spiritual life just as far as they want to advance.
There is only one person who can prevent ones advance, and that is ones self.
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Titus 1:1
1 Paul [Paulos], a servant [doulos] of God [theos], and [de] an apostle [apostolos] of Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos], according to [kata] the faith [pistis] of God's [theos] elect [eklektos], and [kai] the acknowledging [epignosis] of the truth [aletheia] which [ho] is after [kata] godliness [eusebeia]; KJV-Interlinear
1 Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, NASB
Paul identifies himself as the writer of this letter. Paul was once known by his Hebrew name, Saul. Paul is his gentile (Roman) name.
He is commonly referred to as the messenger, the missionary of the gospel and scripture, to the gentiles.
The timeline of Pauls life is not specifically known, but most agree that his conversion to Christianity came in the mid 30’s A.D., perhaps around 35 A.D., when Jesus Himself confronted him while he was traveling along the road.
Prior to his Christian life, Paul was known as Saul, as he pursued the persecution of Christians in the name of good in behalf of the Levitical Priesthood.
Once he came face to face to Christ, Saul’s life changed in a very dramatic way. And he subsequently became the most prominent writer of the New Testament scriptures, and the one to whom even the other apostles looked to for answers for understanding of the more complex Biblical principles.
Paul identifies himself as a slave, a voluntary slave as it were, of Christ. Having placed himself, and his entire life, at Christ’s disposal.
Pauls faith did not come in the flash of light he witnessed along the road, but by the same means as faith comes to every new believer. He listened and studied, and learned doctrine all over again. Placing his former views and understandings aside, and during the three years following his conversion to Christianity, Paul studied intensely in a crash course of doctrinal study.
Far too often people have a tendency to retain their former beliefs and try to incorporate them into their current studies. This only promotes conflict, and difficulty in learning truth.
Faith comes through believing, and knowledge comes through study, and godliness comes through growth in ones spiritual life. It was the same for Adam, for Paul, and is the same for you. They did not have any advantages with God, any more so than you have now.
Every person who has the breath of life in them, has the opportunity to advance in their spiritual life just as far as they want to advance.
There is only one person who can prevent ones advance, and that is ones self.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Titus Introduction
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Titus
Introduction
The book of Titus was written by Paul in the late 50’s A.D., perhaps around 56 A.D. The theme of this letter is, discernment.
Titus was never mentioned in any of the rest of the books in the New Testament, but is mentioned only by Paul in a few of his letters. Titus was one of Pauls main messengers. But more than that, Titus went to many far away places not only to spread the gospel, but to help people in those far off places, establish their churches.
Titus was a gentile. He grew up in Asia Minor, traveled with Paul at various times, was sent to Crete, and as far away as Dalmatia (Yugoslavia). Titus went to the places that were sparse in population and where the people were backwards to say the least, in their cultures.
Titus Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
I. Salutation (1:1-4)
II. The problems of the church as an organization (1:5-16)
A. Qualifications of elders (1:5-9)
B. Necessity for a strong stand against false teachers (1:10-16)
III. The problems of pastoral teaching and preaching (2:1-3:11)
A. Inculcating duties and domestic relations (2:1-10)
B. Motivating true Christian living (2:11-15)
C. Teaching concerning Christian citizenship (3:1-2)
D. Inspiring godly living (3:3-8)
E. Dealing with heretics (3:9-11)
IV. Conclusion (3:12-15)
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Titus
Introduction
The book of Titus was written by Paul in the late 50’s A.D., perhaps around 56 A.D. The theme of this letter is, discernment.
Titus was never mentioned in any of the rest of the books in the New Testament, but is mentioned only by Paul in a few of his letters. Titus was one of Pauls main messengers. But more than that, Titus went to many far away places not only to spread the gospel, but to help people in those far off places, establish their churches.
Titus was a gentile. He grew up in Asia Minor, traveled with Paul at various times, was sent to Crete, and as far away as Dalmatia (Yugoslavia). Titus went to the places that were sparse in population and where the people were backwards to say the least, in their cultures.
Titus Outline (New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
I. Salutation (1:1-4)
II. The problems of the church as an organization (1:5-16)
A. Qualifications of elders (1:5-9)
B. Necessity for a strong stand against false teachers (1:10-16)
III. The problems of pastoral teaching and preaching (2:1-3:11)
A. Inculcating duties and domestic relations (2:1-10)
B. Motivating true Christian living (2:11-15)
C. Teaching concerning Christian citizenship (3:1-2)
D. Inspiring godly living (3:3-8)
E. Dealing with heretics (3:9-11)
IV. Conclusion (3:12-15)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Philemon 1:25
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Philemon 1:25
25 The grace [charis] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos] be with [meta] your [humon] spirit [pneuma]. Amen [amen]. Written [grapho] from [apo] Rome [Rhome] to [pros] Philemon [Philemon], by [dia] Onesimus [Onesimos] a servant [oiketes]. KJV-Interlinear
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. NASB
Grace means favor. This is the favor of God to any and all who comply with truth. Those who reject truth are denied grace.
In reality there are three forms of grace. The first is common grace, or a grace which applies to everyone. Grace is primarily directed toward believers, and in the common arena of this world, God has prepared many things designed to help believers survive in this world.
This includes the air we breathe, the food and resources that are available for our use, the economics principles, the laws of divine establishment and so forth which help humanity survive in this world. Because they share this world with believers, then unbelievers enjoy common grace simply because they have an association with believers by living in the same world.
So common grace for everyone includes blessing by association for unbelievers.
Note that when the Rapture occurs, all believers will leave this world and only unbelievers will be left behind to populate the world. The world will rapidly deteriorate into chaos and near extinction, but were it not for that fact that many would come to believe in Christ during that Tribulational period, the world would quickly die.
The only thing that prohibits the world from immediate destruction, is due to the many who will believe in Christ, thus holding off the destruction of humanity.
The second form of grace is for believers in general, and only for believers. This is the provision of God in getting man through this life. God provides history driven by His Divine Decrees, and doctrine by which man can advance in his spiritual life. Jesus Christ controls history.
The third form of grace is greater grace, which is designed for mature believers only. Those who advance in their spiritual life, enjoy a greater form of grace not only in this life but especially in eternity.
This last form of grace is the ultimate and most desired grace (favor) that anyone can receive from God. This is your goal in life for now and for eternity.
Grace from God is by design from the Father and executed by the Son. The Holy Spirit sustains grace throughout human history. All grace comes to us through the Son, Jesus Christ. And all grace is directed toward your spirit. Your human spirit, which is the third form of life you received at the moment you believed in Christ.
Your human spirit is the vessel, in which eternal life resides, and the filter through which all spiritual food, enters into your soul. No salvation, no human spirit. No human spirit, no spiritual life.
This letter was written by Paul while in Rome, and carried to Philemon, by Onesimus.
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Philemon 1:25
25 The grace [charis] of our [hemon] Lord [kurios] Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos] be with [meta] your [humon] spirit [pneuma]. Amen [amen]. Written [grapho] from [apo] Rome [Rhome] to [pros] Philemon [Philemon], by [dia] Onesimus [Onesimos] a servant [oiketes]. KJV-Interlinear
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. NASB
Grace means favor. This is the favor of God to any and all who comply with truth. Those who reject truth are denied grace.
In reality there are three forms of grace. The first is common grace, or a grace which applies to everyone. Grace is primarily directed toward believers, and in the common arena of this world, God has prepared many things designed to help believers survive in this world.
This includes the air we breathe, the food and resources that are available for our use, the economics principles, the laws of divine establishment and so forth which help humanity survive in this world. Because they share this world with believers, then unbelievers enjoy common grace simply because they have an association with believers by living in the same world.
So common grace for everyone includes blessing by association for unbelievers.
Note that when the Rapture occurs, all believers will leave this world and only unbelievers will be left behind to populate the world. The world will rapidly deteriorate into chaos and near extinction, but were it not for that fact that many would come to believe in Christ during that Tribulational period, the world would quickly die.
The only thing that prohibits the world from immediate destruction, is due to the many who will believe in Christ, thus holding off the destruction of humanity.
The second form of grace is for believers in general, and only for believers. This is the provision of God in getting man through this life. God provides history driven by His Divine Decrees, and doctrine by which man can advance in his spiritual life. Jesus Christ controls history.
The third form of grace is greater grace, which is designed for mature believers only. Those who advance in their spiritual life, enjoy a greater form of grace not only in this life but especially in eternity.
This last form of grace is the ultimate and most desired grace (favor) that anyone can receive from God. This is your goal in life for now and for eternity.
Grace from God is by design from the Father and executed by the Son. The Holy Spirit sustains grace throughout human history. All grace comes to us through the Son, Jesus Christ. And all grace is directed toward your spirit. Your human spirit, which is the third form of life you received at the moment you believed in Christ.
Your human spirit is the vessel, in which eternal life resides, and the filter through which all spiritual food, enters into your soul. No salvation, no human spirit. No human spirit, no spiritual life.
This letter was written by Paul while in Rome, and carried to Philemon, by Onesimus.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Philemon 1:23-24
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Philemon 1:23-24
23 There salute [aspazomai] thee [se] Epaphras [Epaphras], my [mou] fellowprisoner [sunaichmalotos] in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous];
24 Marcus [Markos], Aristarchus [Aristarchos], Demas [Demas], Lucas [Loukas], my [mou] fellowlabourers [sunergos]. KJV-Interlinear
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. NASB
Epaphras means devoted. Aristarchus means best ruling. Marcus means shining. Demas means popular. Lucas means luminous or white.
There are several similar names mentioned in the books of Colossians and Philemon, namely:
Colossians:
Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Marcus, Jesus Justus, Epaphras, Lucas, and Demas.
Philemon:
Epaphras, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas.
Colossae was located in central-south Asia Minor (Greece), just south of Laodicea. Paul passed through Laodicea on his third journey through this area.
And although Epaphras and Demas are mentioned in Acts and 2 Tim., as departing from Paul for a time, they were with him throughout the time he was imprisoned.
Paul was surrounded by several dedicated individuals throughout his ministry. As indicated by their names, all of these individuals had varying personalities and skills.
The Christian does not come in a one-mold-fits-all pattern. If you can count the stars, then perhaps you can count the different personalities of Christians.
So, do not think that you must act in a certain fashion, or follow a certain pattern of life in order to be a good Christian. And even though these men (and women as we noted in verse two) were dedicated to Pauls teaching, they were more dedicated to the scriptures and their pursuit of their spiritual lives.
Nowhere is it written that you must wear black, or square hats, or wear a burka, or walk around looking down all of the time. In fact, some of the best athletes, scientists, musicians, mountain climbers, soldiers, moms and dads, etc., fit the Christian pattern quite easily.
The Christian pattern is what you think. What you think is what you are. What you look like or what you do in life is irrelevant.
These people were dedicated during the time of Pauls travels, during his imprisonment, and after his death. The circumstances of life made no difference to their pursuit of doctrine. And that is the way it should be with you.
No matter what crops up in life, no matter what bruises your ego, no matter what insults your beliefs, should never interfere with the pursuit of your objective of spiritual maturity.
Your spiritual life is your single most valuable possession that you will ever have. It presents you before the Lord unblemished and valuable and worthy of blessing, both now, and for all of eternity.
There is absolutely nothing else in life that you can do or possess, that will match your spiritual life. And more importantly, your spiritual life is available to you just as it is available to everyone who has or will ever live.
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Philemon 1:23-24
23 There salute [aspazomai] thee [se] Epaphras [Epaphras], my [mou] fellowprisoner [sunaichmalotos] in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous];
24 Marcus [Markos], Aristarchus [Aristarchos], Demas [Demas], Lucas [Loukas], my [mou] fellowlabourers [sunergos]. KJV-Interlinear
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. NASB
Epaphras means devoted. Aristarchus means best ruling. Marcus means shining. Demas means popular. Lucas means luminous or white.
There are several similar names mentioned in the books of Colossians and Philemon, namely:
Colossians:
Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Marcus, Jesus Justus, Epaphras, Lucas, and Demas.
Philemon:
Epaphras, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas.
Colossae was located in central-south Asia Minor (Greece), just south of Laodicea. Paul passed through Laodicea on his third journey through this area.
And although Epaphras and Demas are mentioned in Acts and 2 Tim., as departing from Paul for a time, they were with him throughout the time he was imprisoned.
Paul was surrounded by several dedicated individuals throughout his ministry. As indicated by their names, all of these individuals had varying personalities and skills.
The Christian does not come in a one-mold-fits-all pattern. If you can count the stars, then perhaps you can count the different personalities of Christians.
So, do not think that you must act in a certain fashion, or follow a certain pattern of life in order to be a good Christian. And even though these men (and women as we noted in verse two) were dedicated to Pauls teaching, they were more dedicated to the scriptures and their pursuit of their spiritual lives.
Nowhere is it written that you must wear black, or square hats, or wear a burka, or walk around looking down all of the time. In fact, some of the best athletes, scientists, musicians, mountain climbers, soldiers, moms and dads, etc., fit the Christian pattern quite easily.
The Christian pattern is what you think. What you think is what you are. What you look like or what you do in life is irrelevant.
These people were dedicated during the time of Pauls travels, during his imprisonment, and after his death. The circumstances of life made no difference to their pursuit of doctrine. And that is the way it should be with you.
No matter what crops up in life, no matter what bruises your ego, no matter what insults your beliefs, should never interfere with the pursuit of your objective of spiritual maturity.
Your spiritual life is your single most valuable possession that you will ever have. It presents you before the Lord unblemished and valuable and worthy of blessing, both now, and for all of eternity.
There is absolutely nothing else in life that you can do or possess, that will match your spiritual life. And more importantly, your spiritual life is available to you just as it is available to everyone who has or will ever live.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Philemon 1:21-22
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Philemon 1:21-22
21 Having confidence [peitho] in thy [sou] obedience [hupakoe] I wrote [grapho] unto thee [soi], knowing [eido] that [hoti] thou wilt [poieo] also [kai] do [poieo] more than [hos] [huper] I say [lego].
22 But [de] withal [hama] prepare [hetoimazo] me [moi] also [kai] a lodging [xenia]: for [gar] I trust [elpizo] that [hoti] through [dia] your [humon] prayers [proseuche] I shall be given [charizomai] unto you [humin]. KJV-Interlinear
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. 22 And at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you. NASB
There is a great deal of difference of opinion as to the dates in Pauls life, but in general, most agree that the date of his arrest in Jerusalem was in the late 50’s A.D., possibly in 57 or 58 A.D. His arrival in Rome was around 60 A.D. and during his stay in Rome, his trial was constantly delayed.
Paul spent his time while awaiting trial, in prison and was later released, for two years, to a private residence, but still under house arrest. Some historians believe that he was allowed to travel during this time, but most don’t accept that theory. More likely Paul remained in Rome for the rest of his days, and was finally executed in 67 or 68 A.D., just prior to the death of Nero, who died within six months of Pauls death.
Pauls last books that he wrote were Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians (not in that order), and were written in the early to mid 60’s A.D. These books are commonly called the Prison Epistles for obvious reasons. On this point there is virtually no disagreement. Most historians believe that the book of Philippians, which is the book of inspiration, was his last book.
Whether Paul had known Philemon in person, is not known. In verse five, Paul speaks of ‘hearing’ of Philemons character and through that hearing, he came to accept and believe in Philemon as a good and generous man.
Simultaneously, while all of this was happening in Pauls, and Onesimus’s, and Philemon’s life, back in Judah, anarchy, rebellion, and all kinds of trouble are brewing. Factions are fighting factions for control of the region and for Jerusalem, and everyone is fighting Rome.
In the late 60’s A.D., Rome is making preparations to send an army into Judah, and shortly after Pauls death, in approximately 68 to 69 A.D., Rome prepared and shipped off its legions to bring Jerusalem and the entire region of Judah, back in line. Many millions died and the Levitical Priesthood formally and finally ended.
Paul and those who were with him almost certainly were aware of the news coming out of Judah.
And yet, Paul remained optimistic. He was in prison and knew that his chances were slim with respect to regaining his freedom. But his focus was on a slave, of whom not many had ever heard of. His focus was on the activities of the scriptures, and the advancements that many were making in other regions.
And his confidence was in the belief that Philemon would not only agree with and grant his request, but do even more than that.
If Paul regained his freedom, he would have most certainly traveled back to Greece, and Philemon would have received him as he would receive any guest.
So without complaint, or even the hint of it, Paul looked forward to better times, if God would so grant it. And if not, then that only means that God had something better in mind for everyone.
My wife reads a great deal, and she recently finished a book called ‘The Shack’ by Wm. Paul Young. This seems to be a very worthwhile book to read. And though it is fiction, it presents a very good view of life, of life’s problems, and how people deal with life and with their relationship with God.
Often times we read or hear about the trauma’s that other people have in life, and we try to be sympathetic, but what if these trauma’s happened to us. How would we deal with them?
Often times we cannot know how we would react until the actual disaster strikes us. Most would believe that they would pass the test with flying colors, but God has a sense of humor and often times, He can draw out the pain of an event, just to see where our breaking point will be.
Paul was optimistic all the way to the executioner. Onesimus was optimistic all the way back to the confrontation with his master. Paul was taken involuntarily. Onesimus went back to face his destiny, voluntarily.
Where would you fit in this picture, if life and the world suddenly turned against you. What if this economic recovery does not take place and the economy continues to spiral downward to 20 and 30 percent unemployment? What if you lose your business, your job, your home? What will you do? Where will you go? How will you eat?
Who will you blame?
If there ever was a time to gain and hold, a relationship with God, it is certainly now. And who knows, God may lead us to the executioner, or to a new life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:21-22
21 Having confidence [peitho] in thy [sou] obedience [hupakoe] I wrote [grapho] unto thee [soi], knowing [eido] that [hoti] thou wilt [poieo] also [kai] do [poieo] more than [hos] [huper] I say [lego].
22 But [de] withal [hama] prepare [hetoimazo] me [moi] also [kai] a lodging [xenia]: for [gar] I trust [elpizo] that [hoti] through [dia] your [humon] prayers [proseuche] I shall be given [charizomai] unto you [humin]. KJV-Interlinear
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. 22 And at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you. NASB
There is a great deal of difference of opinion as to the dates in Pauls life, but in general, most agree that the date of his arrest in Jerusalem was in the late 50’s A.D., possibly in 57 or 58 A.D. His arrival in Rome was around 60 A.D. and during his stay in Rome, his trial was constantly delayed.
Paul spent his time while awaiting trial, in prison and was later released, for two years, to a private residence, but still under house arrest. Some historians believe that he was allowed to travel during this time, but most don’t accept that theory. More likely Paul remained in Rome for the rest of his days, and was finally executed in 67 or 68 A.D., just prior to the death of Nero, who died within six months of Pauls death.
Pauls last books that he wrote were Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians (not in that order), and were written in the early to mid 60’s A.D. These books are commonly called the Prison Epistles for obvious reasons. On this point there is virtually no disagreement. Most historians believe that the book of Philippians, which is the book of inspiration, was his last book.
Whether Paul had known Philemon in person, is not known. In verse five, Paul speaks of ‘hearing’ of Philemons character and through that hearing, he came to accept and believe in Philemon as a good and generous man.
Simultaneously, while all of this was happening in Pauls, and Onesimus’s, and Philemon’s life, back in Judah, anarchy, rebellion, and all kinds of trouble are brewing. Factions are fighting factions for control of the region and for Jerusalem, and everyone is fighting Rome.
In the late 60’s A.D., Rome is making preparations to send an army into Judah, and shortly after Pauls death, in approximately 68 to 69 A.D., Rome prepared and shipped off its legions to bring Jerusalem and the entire region of Judah, back in line. Many millions died and the Levitical Priesthood formally and finally ended.
Paul and those who were with him almost certainly were aware of the news coming out of Judah.
And yet, Paul remained optimistic. He was in prison and knew that his chances were slim with respect to regaining his freedom. But his focus was on a slave, of whom not many had ever heard of. His focus was on the activities of the scriptures, and the advancements that many were making in other regions.
And his confidence was in the belief that Philemon would not only agree with and grant his request, but do even more than that.
If Paul regained his freedom, he would have most certainly traveled back to Greece, and Philemon would have received him as he would receive any guest.
So without complaint, or even the hint of it, Paul looked forward to better times, if God would so grant it. And if not, then that only means that God had something better in mind for everyone.
My wife reads a great deal, and she recently finished a book called ‘The Shack’ by Wm. Paul Young. This seems to be a very worthwhile book to read. And though it is fiction, it presents a very good view of life, of life’s problems, and how people deal with life and with their relationship with God.
Often times we read or hear about the trauma’s that other people have in life, and we try to be sympathetic, but what if these trauma’s happened to us. How would we deal with them?
Often times we cannot know how we would react until the actual disaster strikes us. Most would believe that they would pass the test with flying colors, but God has a sense of humor and often times, He can draw out the pain of an event, just to see where our breaking point will be.
Paul was optimistic all the way to the executioner. Onesimus was optimistic all the way back to the confrontation with his master. Paul was taken involuntarily. Onesimus went back to face his destiny, voluntarily.
Where would you fit in this picture, if life and the world suddenly turned against you. What if this economic recovery does not take place and the economy continues to spiral downward to 20 and 30 percent unemployment? What if you lose your business, your job, your home? What will you do? Where will you go? How will you eat?
Who will you blame?
If there ever was a time to gain and hold, a relationship with God, it is certainly now. And who knows, God may lead us to the executioner, or to a new life.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Philemon 1:20
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:20
20 Yea [nai], brother [adelphos], let [oninemi] me [ego] have joy [oninemi] of thee [sou] in [en] the Lord [kurios]: refresh [anapauo] my [mou] bowels [splagchnon] in [en] the Lord [kurios]. KJV-Interlinear
20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. NASB
Paul uses a little play on words here. The word for joy, ‘oninemi,’ comes from the same root as the name for Onesimus. Whereas Onesimus once meant useless and came to mean useful, so too, then when one gains usefulness from life, that translates into joy and happiness.
This result depends on the actions of Philemon.
The request has been submitted by Paul, and it remains for Philemon to agree and grant the request.
Paul has evidently been quite taken by Onesimus. Quite possibly his personality, his attitude, his complete change of character as indicated by the meaning of his name, have all reflected quite a phenomenal change in Onesimus due to his response to Pauls teaching.
So much so, that this result has had a tremendous impact on Pauls feelings with regard to these events.
Now a quick lesson in spiritual principles.
When every person complies with Gods mandates, then everyone wins. The synergy of the thoughts and actions of obedient believers multiplies the blessings exponentially.
History has given us several examples of this.
When the angels were first created, there was phenomenal harmony and happiness. The universe was created perfect. Something that we as humanity have no record of, nor have we been able to see it for ourselves. Disobedience came along and that ruined it for everyone. The universe is huge, by the way.
Adam and Eve were created, and in obedience they had the Garden of Eden, a perfect paradise. Again, only Adam and Eve saw this perfect paradise. Neither you, nor I, nor anyone else in human history have seen it. Disobedience came along and ruined it all.
Back in David’s day, freedom and prosperity came along with his military victories against the enemies of Israel. Solomon enjoyed a period of peace and phenomenal prosperity. Solomon was wealthy beyond imagination. Disobedience came along and that generation, and the generations to follow, lost their wealth, their prosperity, and eventually their freedom.
At the Second Advent, Christ will defeat evil, and launch a period of 1000 years of peace and prosperity for the Millennium. But again, disobedience will enter into the human race and a great rebellion will erupt at the end of the Millennium. The universe will be destroyed.
At the end of human history, which is at the end of the Millennium, this universe will be destroyed and a new universe will be created for believers. This phenomenal peace and prosperity, etc., will continue on forever, because there will be no further disobedience toward God and truth.
Oh, do I dare mention our current economic problems? And the reasons for them? Is there any indication as to which direction prosperity or disaster might take? Hummm!
Suffice to say, the key to history is Jesus Christ and mans attitude toward Him. Jesus Christ is the living word. The Word is truth, and pursuit of truth leads to blessings. Disregard of truth leads to disaster.
And, by the way, truth is not something that you can arbitrarily define yourself. God is the source of truth and truth has well defined principles that guide it.
Truth protects the rights of the individual and promotes freedom, prosperity, happiness, etc.
Lies seek to remove these things.
When believers comply with Gods mandates, which are the principles of truth, then they win.
When believers disregard Gods mandates, then they lose.
What part of that is not clear and understandable?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:20
20 Yea [nai], brother [adelphos], let [oninemi] me [ego] have joy [oninemi] of thee [sou] in [en] the Lord [kurios]: refresh [anapauo] my [mou] bowels [splagchnon] in [en] the Lord [kurios]. KJV-Interlinear
20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. NASB
Paul uses a little play on words here. The word for joy, ‘oninemi,’ comes from the same root as the name for Onesimus. Whereas Onesimus once meant useless and came to mean useful, so too, then when one gains usefulness from life, that translates into joy and happiness.
This result depends on the actions of Philemon.
The request has been submitted by Paul, and it remains for Philemon to agree and grant the request.
Paul has evidently been quite taken by Onesimus. Quite possibly his personality, his attitude, his complete change of character as indicated by the meaning of his name, have all reflected quite a phenomenal change in Onesimus due to his response to Pauls teaching.
So much so, that this result has had a tremendous impact on Pauls feelings with regard to these events.
Now a quick lesson in spiritual principles.
When every person complies with Gods mandates, then everyone wins. The synergy of the thoughts and actions of obedient believers multiplies the blessings exponentially.
History has given us several examples of this.
When the angels were first created, there was phenomenal harmony and happiness. The universe was created perfect. Something that we as humanity have no record of, nor have we been able to see it for ourselves. Disobedience came along and that ruined it for everyone. The universe is huge, by the way.
Adam and Eve were created, and in obedience they had the Garden of Eden, a perfect paradise. Again, only Adam and Eve saw this perfect paradise. Neither you, nor I, nor anyone else in human history have seen it. Disobedience came along and ruined it all.
Back in David’s day, freedom and prosperity came along with his military victories against the enemies of Israel. Solomon enjoyed a period of peace and phenomenal prosperity. Solomon was wealthy beyond imagination. Disobedience came along and that generation, and the generations to follow, lost their wealth, their prosperity, and eventually their freedom.
At the Second Advent, Christ will defeat evil, and launch a period of 1000 years of peace and prosperity for the Millennium. But again, disobedience will enter into the human race and a great rebellion will erupt at the end of the Millennium. The universe will be destroyed.
At the end of human history, which is at the end of the Millennium, this universe will be destroyed and a new universe will be created for believers. This phenomenal peace and prosperity, etc., will continue on forever, because there will be no further disobedience toward God and truth.
Oh, do I dare mention our current economic problems? And the reasons for them? Is there any indication as to which direction prosperity or disaster might take? Hummm!
Suffice to say, the key to history is Jesus Christ and mans attitude toward Him. Jesus Christ is the living word. The Word is truth, and pursuit of truth leads to blessings. Disregard of truth leads to disaster.
And, by the way, truth is not something that you can arbitrarily define yourself. God is the source of truth and truth has well defined principles that guide it.
Truth protects the rights of the individual and promotes freedom, prosperity, happiness, etc.
Lies seek to remove these things.
When believers comply with Gods mandates, which are the principles of truth, then they win.
When believers disregard Gods mandates, then they lose.
What part of that is not clear and understandable?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Philemon 1:18-19
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:18-19
18 If [de] [ei] he hath wronged [adikeo] thee [se], or [e] oweth [opheilo] thee ought [tis], put [ellogeo] that [touto] on [ellogeo] mine account [emoi];
19 I [ego] Paul [Paulos] have written [grapho] it with mine own [emos] hand [cheir], I [ego] will repay [apotino] it: albeit [hina me] I do [lego] not [hina me] say [lego] to thee [soi] how [hoti] thou owest [prosopheilo] unto me [moi] even [kai] thine own self [seautou] besides [prosopheilo]. KJV-Interlinear
18 But if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account; 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (lest I should mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). NASB
The doctrine of imputation is a very real and legitimate spiritual principle. When one person has incurred a debt, and another assumes the obligation for that debt, then the first is released from any further obligation. The creditor has no further recourse against the former debtor.
Imitating that which Christ has done for us all on the Cross, Paul approaches Philemon with a proposal. That he Paul assume any and all obligations that Onesimus has incurred toward Philemon.
With full knowledge of what Onesimus has done and we, again, read between the lines, Paul knows full well the details of Onesimus’ wrongs against his master.
We are not given the details, because they are not even relevant. Suffice to say that Onesimus has done a wrong, or wrongs against Philemon, and now through Paul, has acknowledged his actions in full to Paul, and Onesimus wants the set the record straight once and for all.
As for Philemon, a debt is owed to him. Whether one person pays it or another, should make no difference. No creditor can honestly expect to collect double for what is owed, nor do they have any right to expect more than is owed.
God gave man life. Man sinned, and as such incurred a debt for sin and death. This is a debt that man cannot possibly pay, because the magnitude of it is so great. We can safely assume that Onesimus had such a debt, and as a slave with no resources or means, could not possibly repay his obligation.
Onesimus was trapped in his debt forever, just as humanity is trapped in its debt to sin and death forever.
Luckily, both Onesimus and humanity have a benefactor willing to pay off their debts. Paul for Onesimus, in the temporal sense of the obligation, and Christ for humanity in the spiritual sense.
By signing this letter and stating as such, Paul offers a written guaranty for his offer to Philemon.
Now, Philemon probably knows that Paul has no or very little resources. Philemon probably knows of Pauls present situation, and he probably knows that anyone going before Nero, was not likely to come out of it alive.
But at the same time, Philemon knows that Paul was receiving donations and support from folks all over the region. And whether Paul was going to offer to pay the obligation out of those proceeds, or not, was really irrelevant.
What is relevant is whether Philemon was going to accept the offer. If he did, then Onesimus was free of his obligations, and Paul was bound. And by accepting this obligation, did not make Paul guilty of the wrongs, only obligated to pay them. And by implication, we can assume that he did pay them.
Philemon could deal with Paul in the manner in which Paul reminds him in the second verse of this passage.
Paul taught the gospel and as a result brought a lot of people to Christ and their salvation. Their alternative was the Lake of Fire.
So in a sense, Paul had become a father like figure with respect to their new birth. It is the father who begets new children, with doctrine acting as the mother force, as it were.
Without life a person is not a person, they are nothing. With life then they have every opportunity to live forever in great happiness. That difference between the two, nothing verses eternity, is an infinite difference. And as such anyone who is saved, is in debt to their father communicator, if you are able to follow this idea.
Likewise, once born, a person has to grow up. That takes yet another parent figure to raise up and teach the child. This instructor becomes the parent figure for those who stick it out and grow up in their spiritual lives.
In that way, again, they are deeply in debt to their instructor, for without him or her, they would not have gained the advantages of spiritual maturity, which again are infinitely greater than the blessings of spiritual immaturity.
Therefore, Pauls efforts in bringing the gospel and doctrine to those who heard him become the basis for their indebtedness to him. Anything that he may owe Philemon (Onesimus’ debt) is far less than that which Philemon owes Paul.
In our lifetime, we will all cross paths with many sources of spiritual truth. From the radio, from the television, from our own readings, from the internet, from friends and family and so forth. In a sense we owe a great deal to all believers because of the environment that they have provided (courtesy of the grace of God), which has contributed to our spiritual state.
Whether there is one who contributes more, or not, is not really relevant.
All of our gratitude is owing to Christ for His phenomenal work and provision, in that we as slaves to sin and death, have no other alternative.
In recognizing this obligation, we should voluntarily support each other as mentioned the other day in our study – some through prayer, some through money, some through whatever means is available to each of us.
It is God who ultimately raises up those who will actually assume this obligation. We certainly know that there will be those who will convince themselves that they are excused from it, to their detriment.
If you look around, you will see that the world is slipping ever so slowly into trouble. Back in 1929, it took three years for the nation to hit bottom and there it remained for an entire decade, until WW-II, before relief came along.
Mans plans will never work. Mans money will never work. The crux of our problem is not economics, but disobedience toward Gods mandates. For it is God who makes prosperity and poverty. It is God who provides the means for you to fulfill your obligations, as He did for Paul and Onesimus.
Jesus Christ controls history, not man. But you still have your responsibilities and obligations in life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:18-19
18 If [de] [ei] he hath wronged [adikeo] thee [se], or [e] oweth [opheilo] thee ought [tis], put [ellogeo] that [touto] on [ellogeo] mine account [emoi];
19 I [ego] Paul [Paulos] have written [grapho] it with mine own [emos] hand [cheir], I [ego] will repay [apotino] it: albeit [hina me] I do [lego] not [hina me] say [lego] to thee [soi] how [hoti] thou owest [prosopheilo] unto me [moi] even [kai] thine own self [seautou] besides [prosopheilo]. KJV-Interlinear
18 But if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account; 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (lest I should mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). NASB
The doctrine of imputation is a very real and legitimate spiritual principle. When one person has incurred a debt, and another assumes the obligation for that debt, then the first is released from any further obligation. The creditor has no further recourse against the former debtor.
Imitating that which Christ has done for us all on the Cross, Paul approaches Philemon with a proposal. That he Paul assume any and all obligations that Onesimus has incurred toward Philemon.
With full knowledge of what Onesimus has done and we, again, read between the lines, Paul knows full well the details of Onesimus’ wrongs against his master.
We are not given the details, because they are not even relevant. Suffice to say that Onesimus has done a wrong, or wrongs against Philemon, and now through Paul, has acknowledged his actions in full to Paul, and Onesimus wants the set the record straight once and for all.
As for Philemon, a debt is owed to him. Whether one person pays it or another, should make no difference. No creditor can honestly expect to collect double for what is owed, nor do they have any right to expect more than is owed.
God gave man life. Man sinned, and as such incurred a debt for sin and death. This is a debt that man cannot possibly pay, because the magnitude of it is so great. We can safely assume that Onesimus had such a debt, and as a slave with no resources or means, could not possibly repay his obligation.
Onesimus was trapped in his debt forever, just as humanity is trapped in its debt to sin and death forever.
Luckily, both Onesimus and humanity have a benefactor willing to pay off their debts. Paul for Onesimus, in the temporal sense of the obligation, and Christ for humanity in the spiritual sense.
By signing this letter and stating as such, Paul offers a written guaranty for his offer to Philemon.
Now, Philemon probably knows that Paul has no or very little resources. Philemon probably knows of Pauls present situation, and he probably knows that anyone going before Nero, was not likely to come out of it alive.
But at the same time, Philemon knows that Paul was receiving donations and support from folks all over the region. And whether Paul was going to offer to pay the obligation out of those proceeds, or not, was really irrelevant.
What is relevant is whether Philemon was going to accept the offer. If he did, then Onesimus was free of his obligations, and Paul was bound. And by accepting this obligation, did not make Paul guilty of the wrongs, only obligated to pay them. And by implication, we can assume that he did pay them.
Philemon could deal with Paul in the manner in which Paul reminds him in the second verse of this passage.
Paul taught the gospel and as a result brought a lot of people to Christ and their salvation. Their alternative was the Lake of Fire.
So in a sense, Paul had become a father like figure with respect to their new birth. It is the father who begets new children, with doctrine acting as the mother force, as it were.
Without life a person is not a person, they are nothing. With life then they have every opportunity to live forever in great happiness. That difference between the two, nothing verses eternity, is an infinite difference. And as such anyone who is saved, is in debt to their father communicator, if you are able to follow this idea.
Likewise, once born, a person has to grow up. That takes yet another parent figure to raise up and teach the child. This instructor becomes the parent figure for those who stick it out and grow up in their spiritual lives.
In that way, again, they are deeply in debt to their instructor, for without him or her, they would not have gained the advantages of spiritual maturity, which again are infinitely greater than the blessings of spiritual immaturity.
Therefore, Pauls efforts in bringing the gospel and doctrine to those who heard him become the basis for their indebtedness to him. Anything that he may owe Philemon (Onesimus’ debt) is far less than that which Philemon owes Paul.
In our lifetime, we will all cross paths with many sources of spiritual truth. From the radio, from the television, from our own readings, from the internet, from friends and family and so forth. In a sense we owe a great deal to all believers because of the environment that they have provided (courtesy of the grace of God), which has contributed to our spiritual state.
Whether there is one who contributes more, or not, is not really relevant.
All of our gratitude is owing to Christ for His phenomenal work and provision, in that we as slaves to sin and death, have no other alternative.
In recognizing this obligation, we should voluntarily support each other as mentioned the other day in our study – some through prayer, some through money, some through whatever means is available to each of us.
It is God who ultimately raises up those who will actually assume this obligation. We certainly know that there will be those who will convince themselves that they are excused from it, to their detriment.
If you look around, you will see that the world is slipping ever so slowly into trouble. Back in 1929, it took three years for the nation to hit bottom and there it remained for an entire decade, until WW-II, before relief came along.
Mans plans will never work. Mans money will never work. The crux of our problem is not economics, but disobedience toward Gods mandates. For it is God who makes prosperity and poverty. It is God who provides the means for you to fulfill your obligations, as He did for Paul and Onesimus.
Jesus Christ controls history, not man. But you still have your responsibilities and obligations in life.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Philemon 1:17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:17
17 If [ei] thou count [echo] me [eme] therefore [oun] a partner [koinonos], receive [proslambano] him [autos] as [hos] myself [eme]. KJV-Interlinear
17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. NASB
The word for partner, ‘koinonos,’ means one who has similar interests. The common interests between Paul and Philemon are the principles of Christianity. And in Christianity, there are the many principles of charity, forgiveness, fairness, understanding, self control, grace, giving someone a second chance, and so forth.
Christianity is not everyone making up the rules as they go along. Christianity is not everyone interpreting the rules of life in a manner which is convenient to them. Christianity is not subjective as some would make it out to be.
The common interests of Christians should be unbiased, unprejudiced, without preconceived ideas, not ruled by emotions, certainly not ruled by their sin natures, nor guided by ones self interests.
The views of Christians should be guided by charity, empathy, deference to Gods plan over their own objectives.
Probably more important, Christian views should realize that God has a plan for every human being, and that plan is intended to help people in their advance and preparation for eternity. Gods plan does not mean that you can advance yourself at the expense of someone else.
If you seek to advance yourself with the intention of, or by means of, taking advantage of others, then your advance is phony and dishonorable. You are only setting yourself up for ultimate loss at the end of your life.
Christians should meet the issues of life with an open mind. This does not mean that you allow someone else to run all over you. This does not mean that you sacrifice responsibility. Nor does it mean that you maintain a stubborn or rigid attitude.
Paul is looking for common ground, with which to deal with Onesimus’ situation. Paul is looking to Philemons’ maturity in doctrine in order to arrive at a fair and equitable remedy for Onesimus.
Paul wishes for Philemon to apply the same principles toward Onesimus as he would toward Paul.
Everyone should have but one set of principles in life with which they apply toward everyone, and not apply selectively as they see fit.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Philemon 1:17
17 If [ei] thou count [echo] me [eme] therefore [oun] a partner [koinonos], receive [proslambano] him [autos] as [hos] myself [eme]. KJV-Interlinear
17 If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. NASB
The word for partner, ‘koinonos,’ means one who has similar interests. The common interests between Paul and Philemon are the principles of Christianity. And in Christianity, there are the many principles of charity, forgiveness, fairness, understanding, self control, grace, giving someone a second chance, and so forth.
Christianity is not everyone making up the rules as they go along. Christianity is not everyone interpreting the rules of life in a manner which is convenient to them. Christianity is not subjective as some would make it out to be.
The common interests of Christians should be unbiased, unprejudiced, without preconceived ideas, not ruled by emotions, certainly not ruled by their sin natures, nor guided by ones self interests.
The views of Christians should be guided by charity, empathy, deference to Gods plan over their own objectives.
Probably more important, Christian views should realize that God has a plan for every human being, and that plan is intended to help people in their advance and preparation for eternity. Gods plan does not mean that you can advance yourself at the expense of someone else.
If you seek to advance yourself with the intention of, or by means of, taking advantage of others, then your advance is phony and dishonorable. You are only setting yourself up for ultimate loss at the end of your life.
Christians should meet the issues of life with an open mind. This does not mean that you allow someone else to run all over you. This does not mean that you sacrifice responsibility. Nor does it mean that you maintain a stubborn or rigid attitude.
Paul is looking for common ground, with which to deal with Onesimus’ situation. Paul is looking to Philemons’ maturity in doctrine in order to arrive at a fair and equitable remedy for Onesimus.
Paul wishes for Philemon to apply the same principles toward Onesimus as he would toward Paul.
Everyone should have but one set of principles in life with which they apply toward everyone, and not apply selectively as they see fit.
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