Christianity does not do away our duties to others, but directs to the right doing of them. Such changed characters often become a blessing to all among whom they reside. Verses 15-22 When we speak of the nature of any sin or offence against God, the evil of it is not to be lessened but in a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must we. Had not the Lord overruled some of our ungodly projects, we may reflect upon cases, in which our destruction must have been sure. Little do men know for what purposes the Lord leaves some to change their situations, or engage in undertakings, perhaps from evil motives. In his unconverted state, Onesimus had withdrawn, to his master's injury but now he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and desirous to return to his duty. One great evidence of true repentance consists in returning to practise the duties which have been neglected. No prospect of usefulness should lead any to neglect their obligations, or to fail in obedience to superiors. Such will make conscience of their time and trusts, and manage all they can for the best. Religious servants are treasures in a family. But what happy changes conversion makes! of evil, good of unprofitable, useful. Unholy persons are unprofitable they answer not the great end of their being. In allusion to that name, which signifies "profitable," the apostle allows that in time past he had been unprofitable to Philemon, but hastens to mention the change by which he had become profitable. Verses 8-14 It does not lower any one to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, in strictness of right, we might command: the apostle argues from love, rather than authority, in behalf of one converted through his means and this was Onesimus. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. Verses 1-7 Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. (1-7) He recommends Onesimus as one who would make rich amends for the misconduct of which he had been guilty and on behalf of whom the apostle promises to make up any loss Philemon had sustained. The apostle's joy and praise for Philemon's steady faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints. Paul seems no where to reason more beautifully, or to entreat more forcibly, than in this epistle. He wished to repair the injury he had done to his master, but fearing the punishment his offence deserved might be inflicted, he entreated the apostle to write to Philemon. Onesimus was the slave of Philemon: having run away from his master, he went to Rome, where he was converted to the Christian faith, by the word as set forth by Paul, who kept him till his conduct proved the truth and sincerity of his conversion. Philemon was an inhabitant of Colosse, a person of some note and wealth, and a convert under the ministry of St.
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