Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, St. Paul does not give himself the title of "apostle" in this place. The very first word in which he speaks of himself is pathetic. He refers to his chains no less than five times in this short letter (vers. 1, 9, 10, 13, 23). He feels it glorious to suffer shame for his Lord's sake, and blessed to inherit the beatitude of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10). He literally fulfils the exhortation of St. Peter (1 Peter 4:14-16). (Bp. Wm. Alexander.) Parallel Verses KJV: Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,WEB: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, |
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