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For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been
refreshed through thee, brother."
"Comfort", paraklesis allied to parakletos, "Comforter" (the Holy Spirit, John 14: 26)
is rendered "encouragement" in Moffatt's version, which seems nearer to the truth
expressed by the word. Comfort is more than consolation, it should strengthen--Latin
cum "together", fortis "strong". Paul was both strengthened and given great joy in
Philemon's love to the saints, and resting upon this confidence now reaches the point of
his epistle--"Wherefore".
"Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin (order) thee that which is
convenient (becoming), yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee . . . . ." (8, 9).
Paul does not appeal to Philemon from the authority of an apostle, but for love's sake,
and remembering that he is now "such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner
of Christ Jesus" (R.V.). The greatness of this man is nowhere more evident than here,
and especially if the suggestion of Lightfoot is correct that, "in the common dialect
presbutes (here rendered `aged') may have been written indifferently for presbeutes (an
ambassador) in St. Paul's time". Rather than remember his authority as an apostle, he
chooses to look behind the office and remember that he too is under orders--he
represents another as "an ambassador".
"Paul an ambassador, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus" (9).
An ambassador (II Cor. 5: 20; Eph. 6: 20) and
a prisoner
(Eph. 3: 1; 4: 1;
II Tim. 1: 8, etc.), of Christ Jesus.
The bonds and afflictions of the Apostle only served to emphasize the grace extended
toward him.
"Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance (surpassingness) of
the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh . . . . . My grace is sufficient for
thee" (II Cor. 12: 7-9).
"The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me . . . . . so that I might finish my course . . . . . to testify
the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20: 23, 24).
"Paul, the prisoner . . . . . if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God
which is given me . . . . ." (Eph. 3: 1, 2).
"In my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers
of my grace" (Phil. 1: 7).
"Remember my bonds. Grace be with you" (Col. 4: 18).
It is one thing to represent a country (or in this case a person) as an ambassador, but
much more to suffer for that country as a prisoner.
"We are therefore ambassadors for Christ (huper Christou) . . . . . we beseech for
Christ (huper Christou) . . . . ." (II Cor. 5: 20 lit.).
"To you it was granted (charizomai; charis = grace) for Christ (huper Christou), not
only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him (huper autou)" (Phil. 1: 29 lit.).