The Courtesy of the Gospel
F. Harper, M. A. Philemon 1:10 I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: I. THE GENTLE COURTESY OF THE APOSTLE. No Christian ought to be rude or harsh. This letter is a model of true politeness — "a charming and masterly example of Christian love." II. THE ELECTING LOVE OF GOD. Philemon was a Christian; a Christian minister too; yet the heart of Onesimus, his servant, remains hardened. No doubt his master had given him up. But the Lord had not. The Lord willed not that he should perish. III. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL. The Holy Ghost brought it home with power to the heart of Onesimus. He saw the evil of sin, the love of Jesus, the worth of his soul. IV. THE VALUE OF A CHRISTIAN SERVANT (ver. 11). Now Onesimus is really a changed man, he will be "profitable" to Philemon. A truly Christian servant will serve his earthly master well, because he serves a Master in heaven. He will work with a good conscience, and prove himself faithful and true. V. THE GROUND ON WHICH ST. PAUL URGES HIS REQUEST (ver. 19). Those who are God's instruments in bringing others to Jesus ought to get gratitude from their spiritual children. Strange to say, this is almost rare. We warmly thank friends who help us in regard to this world, while spiritual blessings are too often forgotten. (F. Harper, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: WEB: I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,