Philemon 1:1-7
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother… (v. 1a) Paul’s intro in this letter – writing with Timothy – is exactly the same as his intro to Philippians. Back when we started Philippians The Chronological Study Bible had Paul writing Philippians from Caesarea and they have him writing Philemon from Rome. I argued back then that Philippians was more likely written from Rome. Here is further evidence to back that up. There are further arguments that can be made that both letters were written from Ephesus; I’ll touch on that in the next few days.
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers… (v. 4) A new thought hit me – trivial for you, maybe, but helpful for me. What does the word “remember” mean? One definition would have to do with calling to mind something that had not been in mind, as in “Do you remember when…?” or “Aha, now I remember!” But another definition would have to do with a constant remembrance, something that is always in mind when a certain topic is raised. For example, when Carol and I pray together at night we always “remember” our children. Please note that we’ve never forgotten them! But we use the word “remember” as I think Paul is using it for Philemon. So why is this helpful for me? I am in touch with a lot of people who are my “friends from afar”. Right now I have in mind our European friends in Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland. I don’t “remember” them each and every time I pray. But I do pray for them irregularly, as a group mostly whenever any one of them comes to mind. This would be the word “remember” as I think Paul is using it. But there are other people who come to mind almost accidentally, a “happenchance” as it were and I will whisper a prayer. These folks I am remembering in the second sense – someone who had not been in mind at all and I am truly remembering them and praying for them. So, is Philemon a “happenchance” prayer for Paul or a regular “remembrance”? I think the latter! Finally, one small item on this topic – I remember each and every one of you in my prayers every day before I begin my daily RTB. And I have not forgotten any one of you!!
Slava Bohu!
I love this!