Philemon 1:19

I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: nevertheless I do not say to you how you owe me even your own self besides.
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George Leo Haydock

AD 1849
I, Paul, have written, and testified this with my own hand. Some think he wrote the whole letter, with his own hand, to make it more acceptable to Philemon. Not to say to thee, that thou owest me thy own self, the eternal salvation of thy soul, by thy conversion to the faith of Christ. (Witham)

John Chrysostom

AD 407
Paul writes at once movingly and with subtle spiritual grace. The idea is that since Paul did not refuse to extend his credit, [how ironic it would be] if Philemon should refuse to receive Onesimus! The mention of this deserved favor would both shame Philemon into compliance and bring Onesimus out of trouble.

John Chrysostom

AD 407
I Paul write it with my own hand. At once movingly and pleasantly; if when Paul did not refuse to execute a bond for him, he should refuse to receive him! This would both shame Philemon into compliance, and bring Onesimus out of trouble. I write it, he says, with my own hand. Nothing is more affectionate than these bowels, nothing more earnest, nothing more zealous. See what great concern he bestows in behalf of one man. Albeit I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides. Then that it might not appear insulting to him, whom he requests, if he had not the confidence to ask and obtain in behalf of a theft, he in some measure relieves this, saying, That I say not unto you how you owe to me even your own self besides. Not only your own things, but yourself also. And this proceeded from love, and was according to the rule of friendship, and was a proof of his great confidence. See how he everywhere provides for both, that he may ask with great security, and that this ...

Thomas Aquinas

AD 1274
Therefore he says, I, Paul, as if to say, that you might be certain of restitution. I write it with my own hand. And this not out of necessity, because you owe me your very self, because I snatched you from eternal death, and thus he should do this for his liberator. Tobias 9:2: ‘If I should give myself to be your servant, I should not make a worthy return for your care.’

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation - 2 Peter 1:20

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