Philemon 1:8 Why, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin you that which is convenient, 1. If we consider the names that are given unto them, and the honourable titles whereby they are called, we shall be moved to confess their calling to be accompanied with power under Christ. If, then, the true ministers of Christ be fathers, shepherds, ambassadors, and captains under Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, their office cannot be without jurisdiction and authority over the people of God committed to their charge. 2. If we consider the fruits and effects that are ascribed in the Word to the ministers of the Word, we shall see that their ministry is joined with authority. They are the means to bring us to the knowledge of Christ, to the bosom of the Church, and to the kingdom of heaven. Their office is to convert sinners and to save souls. 3. There is a cooperation of God and the minister's office together, and an admirable sympathy between them. If, then, God and the minister do work together, he may lawfully enjoin men to do their duties.Uses — 1. (1) It condemneth those that think the ministers proud and presumptuous, and accuse them as saucy and malapert when they command us from the Lord as His ambassadors, and arrest us for our sins as His sergeants. It is their duty not only to teach and admonish, go exhort, and to comfort, but to convince and reprove, to threaten, and to denounce judgments from God against the obstinate and impenitent. (2) It reproveth those that account the ministers their vassals and slaves, whereas the case of a pastor is not to be made an underling or a block for everyone to insult and tread. (3) The high excellency of this calling reproveth those that account the office too base and low for them and for their children. Many there are that live by the gospel that are ashamed to preach the gospel. (4) If it be a calling of such dignity, it reproveth those that run before they be sent, and wait not a lawful calling from God, that they may discharge it afterward with peace of heart and comfort of conscience. (5) It reproveth such as regard not the censures of the Church inflicted upon evil doers. 2. Seeing boldness to command under Christ belongeth to the office of minister, it teacheth us and putteth us in mind of many good duties; as — (1) To ask this gift of God, and crave of Him to endue us with the zeal of His glory and other graces of His spirit, that we may speak the Word boldly, as we ought to speak. (2) It teacheth the ministers not to lose their authority, and so to shame their calling, and their Master that hath put them in their calling, bringing themselves and their ministry under the subjection and slavery of others. (3) It teacheth the ministers to take heed they abuse not their authority and turn it into tyranny, but employ it unto edification, not to the destruction of the Church, or any member thereof. (4) It serveth for instruction of the people, that they despise not the ministry of the Word, but alway be ready to hear it with reverence. For wheresoever there is authority in the speaker there should be fear and reverence in the hearer. (W. Attersoll.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,WEB: Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate, |
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