Commentary
John Calvin on Philemon 1:14
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14. That thy benefit might not be by constraint. This is drawn from the general rule, that no sacrifices are acceptable to God but those which are freely offered. Paul speaks of almsgiving in the same manner. (2 Corinthians 9:7.) Τό ἀγαθον is here put for “acts of kindness,” and willingness is contrasted with constraint, when there is no other opportunity of putting to the test a generous and cheerful act of the will; for that duty which is generously performed, and not through influence exercised by others, is alone entitled to full praise. It is also worthy of observation, that Paul, while he acknowledges that Onesimus was to blame in past time, affirms that he is changed; and lest Philemon should have any doubt that his slave returns to him with a new disposition and different conduct, Paul says that he has made full trial of his repentance by personal knowledge.
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Philemon Verses 15-19
15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
15. Forte’ enim ideo separatus fuit ad tempus, ut perpetuo eum retineres;
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?
16. Non jam ut servum, sed super servum fratrem dilectum maxime mihi, quanto magis tibi et in carne et in Domino?
17. If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
17. Si igitur me habes consortem, suscipe eum tanquam me.
18. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
18. Si vero qua in re to laesit, vel aliquid debet, id mihi imputa
19. I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
19. Ego Paulus scripsi mea manu, ego solvam, ut ne dicam tibi, quod et to ipsum mihi debes.
John Calvin, Commentaries, Philemon 1:14. Public domain.
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