It is wise advice that we should try to shun controversy and disputations. Small benefit accrues from such methods of advancing the truth. After all, the Lord’s test is the true one for all teachings which are in question—What is their fruit? ‘‘By their fruits ye shall know them.’’ Let us, therefore, cultivate the grace and beauty, the righteousness and purity, of a holy life. Let us yield ourselves to Jesus to be wholly possessed and used by him; and let our one aim be to get glory for him and success for his Kingdom. Then our views of truth will become clear and sound, and the beauty of our lives will have the most convincing effect on gainsayers. It is better to live a holy life than be a successful disputant. The best proof of orthodoxy is a Christlike life.

Paul, having been liberated from his first imprisonment, was itinerating in Asia Minor and Macedonia, accompanied by several friends. He was intending to winter at Nicopolis in Epirus, and was about to send Artemas or Tychieus to relieve Titus in Crete, so that

Titus might join him in the winter sojourn. These plans were probably eariceled by his own sudden arrest at Nere’s instigation.

What is the theme of this Epistle? In which chapter is the theme most prominent?

What facts regarding Titus come to light in the Pauline Epistles?

Where was Titus when he received this Epistle? With what purpose was it written?

What is Luther’s testimony to this Epistle?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

What is the true test of the knowledge of God?

What were the Apostle’s instructions to servants?

What is the one fruit of salvation? What are some of the personal references in the concluding paragraph?

The Epistle of Paul to Philemon is unique in that it ts addressed to a personal friend regarding a private matter. No doubt Paul wrote many such personal letters but this one alone has been preserved.

Philemon seems to have been a wealthy citizen of Colosso. He was a personal convert of the Apostle’s and there were strong bonds of friendship between them.

Paul writes on behalf of a thief and a runaway. Philemon had suffered serious loss through the irregular conduct of his servant Onesimus, and might well be hesitant about trusting him again. Paul sees that it is the duty of the slave to return and of his master to receive him. By personal persuasion he had won over Onesimus to return, and by this letter he seeks to insure for him a welcome in his master’s house. Onesimus goes back, not merely as a penitent but as a Christian. Paul pleads that he be received as a brother.

The Epistle was written from Rome, the natural center of attraction for all fugitives, and is associated with the Epistles to the Ephesians and the Colossians.

From Painting by REMBRANDT, Dutch Artist.