John Calvin on Philemon 1:19

There remains one question. How does Paul — who, if he had not been aided by the churches, had not the means of living sparingly and frugally — promise to pay money? Amidst such poverty and want this does certainly appear to be a ridiculous promise; but it is easy to see that, by this form of expression, Paul beseeches Philemon not to ask anything back from his slave. Though he does not speak ironically, yet, by an indirect figure, he requests him to blot out and cancel this account. The meaning, therefore, is — “I wish that thou shouldest not contend with thy slave, unless thou choosest to have me for thy debtor in his stead.” For he immediately adds that Philemon is altogether his own; and he who claims the whole man as his property, need not give himself uneasiness about paying money.

Philemon Verses 20-25

20. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

20. Certe frater, ego to fruar in Domino: refocilla mea viscera in Domino.

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

21. Persuasus de tua obedientia scripsi tibi, sciens etiam, quod supra id, quod scribo, facturus sis.

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

22. Simul vero praepara mihi hospitium; spero enim quod etiam per vestras precationes donabor vobis.

23. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

23. Salutant to Epaphras concaptivus meus in Christo Iesu:

24. Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

24. Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, cooperarii mei.

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

25. Gratia Domini nostri Iesu Christi cum spiritu vestro. Amen.

Written from Rome to Philemon by Onesimus a servant.

Ad Philemonem missa fuit e Roma per Onesimum servum.