Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: He did not omit the slaves here; for he knew that the words of slaves can often change a master's purpose, and especially when they plead for a fellow servant. Some of them perhaps had stirred up Philemon against Onesimus. He does not permit them there to have any feeling of grudge, as he addresses them with the family. Nor does he give the master just reason for anger. If he had addressed the slaves by name, Philemon probably would have been displeased. See, then, how prudently he deals. For the word "Church" does not permit masters to be angry, if they are numbered with slaves. For the Church knows not the distinction of master and slave (Galatians 3:28). ( Chrysostom.) Parallel Verses KJV: And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:WEB: to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: |
    |