Homilies on Philemon

Contents

Reading pages: 0.1–1.2 · 2.1 · 3.2

1. 0.1In the argument to the homilies on Philemon, Chrysostom tells the story of Onesimus, defends the inclusion of so short a letter in Scripture, and draws lessons from it: care for every soul, not despairing of slaves, and not drawing slaves away from their masters.
2. 1.1Opening Homily 1 on Philemon, Chrysostom shows how Paul's greeting (Phlm 1–3) prepares Philemon to forgive: Paul writes as Christ's prisoner, enlists Timothy, Apphia, Archippus, and the household church, and reminds Philemon of the grace by which he himself was forgiven.
3. 1.2Chrysostom ends Homily 1 by showing that sins against God are far greater than sins against men, since we fear and honour men more than God, and urges forgiveness, almsgiving, humility, and confession as easy ways to have our own sins forgiven.
4. 2.1This section contains Homily 2 (Phlm 4–16: Paul's tactful praise of Philemon, his plea for Onesimus as his child and heart, God's use of the flight, and a sermon on true humility) and the exposition of Homily 3 (Phlm 17–25: Paul's offer to repay, his confidence in Philemon, and the closing greetings).
5. 3.2Ending Homily 3, Chrysostom warns that the priest's blessing helps only those who show mercy, and argues against those who think God will save all (and against a Marcionite) that God's demanding an account of sins and preparing Gehenna are themselves marks of his goodness.