Philippians and Philemon - MR Vincent - 1906.pdf

1 88 PHILEMON [14-16
Paul is satisfied that his retaining Onesimus would have been agreeable
to Philemon ; but he would not have it appear 3.% if Philemon's
permission was constrained. .
avay., not = i^ (as Oltr.),
which marks the origin of the action, but indicating that the action
is performed according to a certain rule or model. (See Ellic. on
Tit. iii. 5•) This particular phrase only here in N.T., but see
,,^, , /,,. LXX, only 2
Mace. XV. 2.
:
* of free will'; * according to what is voluntary.'
'only here in N.T. (See LXX, Num. xv. 3.) For the
same antithesis see i Pet. v. 2.
15. Another reason for not detaining Onesimus. Paul might
thus have crossed the purpose of divine Providence. The consideration
is modestly introduced with as the suggestion of a
possibiHty, and not as assuming acquaintance with God's designs.
It might be that God allowed the slave to leave you in order that
he might become a Christian disciple ; and if I should retain him,
you would not have him back in your household as a Christian
brother. Philemon's attention is thus turned from his individual
wrongs to the providential economy which has made these wrongs
work for good.
explains the additional motive of. is found
only here and Rom. v. 7.
' he was parted (from thee).' The word is chosen €:
with rare tact. He does not say ' he ran away,' which might
excite Philemon's anger ; but ' he was separated,' and, by the use
of the passive, he puts Onesimus' flight into relation with the
ordering of Providence. See Chrysostom's comparison with the
case of Joseph, who says, " God did send me before you
(Gen. xlv. 5).
:
* for a season.' Indefinite. (Comp. 2 Cor. vii. 8 ;
Gal. ii. 5 ; i Thess. ii. 1 7.) Whatever the period of separation, it
was but ' an hour ' as compared with its lasting consequences.
' iva . . . €)