Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
Chapter 1
Philemon 1-7
Philemon 1-7 1. Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
1. Paulus vinctus Christi Iesu et Timotheus frater Philemoni amico et cooperario nostro,
2. And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
2. Et Apphiae dilectae, et Archippo commilitoni nostro, et Ecclesiae, quae domi tuae est.
3. Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3. Gratia vobis et pax a Deo Patre nostro et Domino Iesu Christo. 4. I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 4. Gratias ago Deo meo, semper memoriam tui faciens in precibus meis, 5. Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
5. Audiens tuam dilectionem et fidem, quam habes erga Dominum Iesum et erga omnes sanctos,
6. That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
6. Ut communicatio fidei tuae efficax sit cognitione omnis boni, quod in vobis est erga Christum Iesum.
7. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
7. Gratiam enim habemus multam et consolationem super dilectione tua, quia viscera sanctorum per to refocillata sunt, frater.
The singular loftiness of the mind of Paul, though it may be seen to greater advantage in his other writings which treat of weightier matters, is also attested by this Epistle, in which, while he handles a subject otherwise low and mean, he rises to God with his wonted elevation. Sending back a runaway slave and thief, he supplicates pardon for him. But in pleading this cause, he discourses about Christian forbearance 1173 with such ability, that he appears to speak about the interests of the whole Church rather than the private affairs of a single individual. In behalf of a man of the lowest condition, he demeans himself so modestly and humbly, that nowhere else is the meekness of his temper painted in a more lively manner.
1173"De la douceur, moderation, et humanite." — "Of gentleness, moderation, and kindness."