John Calvin on Philemon 1:7

7. We have much grace and consolation. Although this reading is found in the majority of Greek copies, yet I think that it ought to be translated joy; for, since there is little difference between χάριν and χαράν, it would be easy to mistake a single letter. Besides, Paul elsewhere employs the word χάριν to mean “joy;” at least, if we believe Chrysostom on this matter. What has “grace” to do with “consolation?”

For thy love. It is plain enough what he means, that he has great joy and consolation, because Philemon administered relief to the necessities of the godly. This was singular love, to feel so much joy on account of the benefit received by others. Besides, the Apostle does not only speak of his personal joy, but says that many rejoiced on account of the kindness and benevolence with which Philemon had aided religious men.

Because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. “To refresh the bowels” is an expression used by Paul to mean, to give relief from distresses, or to aid the wretched in such a manner that, having their minds composed, and being free from all uneasiness and grief, they may find repose. “The bowels” mean the affections, and ἀνάπαυσις denotes tranquillity; and therefore they are greatly mistaken who torture this passage so as to make it refer to the belly and the nourishment of the body.

Philemon Verses 8-14

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

8. Quapropter multam in Christo fiduciam habens imperandi tibi quod decet.

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.

9. Propter caritatem magis rogo, quum talis sim, nempe Paulus senex; nunc vero etiam vinctus Iesu Christi.

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

10. Rogo autem to pro filio meo, quem genui in vinculis meis, Onesimo,

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

11. Qui aliquando tibi inutilis fuit, nunc autem et mihi et tibi utilis.

12. Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

12. Quem remisi; tu vero illum, hoc est, mea viscera, suscipe.

13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

13. Quem ego volebam apud me ipsum retinere, ut pro to mihi ministraret in vinculis evangelii.

14. But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

14. Sed absque tua sententia nihil volui facere, ut non quasi secundum necessitatem esset bonum tuum, sed voluntarium.