Dr. Jay Quine: Remember the Word "Adoption"

Romans 8:15-17
In ancient world cultures the first born often inherited all the rights, responsibilities and privileges of the family. This was especially true if the first born was a son. But if that son grew to be an irresponsible reprobate, an outsider could be adopted into the family and take the position of the first born. The Bible teaches that not only has every believer has been adopted into God’s family, but each and every one of us adopted as sons—as if each one of us is the first born. Each and every one of us adopted with the full inheritance of eternal life to be glorified with Christ. Every believer has first place; no one is disinherited. This is Dr. Jay Quine. Remember the word.

Related articles

• Dr. Jay Quine: First Peter - Submission's Meter (houstonchristianbookstore.blogspot.com)
• Dr. Jay Quine on Jude: Epistle against the Crude! (jay-quine.blogspot.com)
• Dr. Jay A. Quine: God Trusts Us with Our Gifts (thevisionofhopechurch.blogspot.com)
• A Look at Paul's Note to Friend Philemon, By Jay Quine (jayaquine.blogspot.com)
• Dr. Jay A. Quine on John's Gospel - Quick Overview (bethemaybaptistchurch.blogspot.com)
• Jay Quine Speaks on Justification - to declare righteous or not guilty. (jayaquine.blogspot.com)
• Dr. Jay Quine: 2nd Peter and the Truth of God (houstontheology.blogspot.com)
• Jay Quine: Continue to be Hopeful for the Future Reunion (churchwritings.wordpress.com)
• Jay A. Quine Prologue - a "fanciful" narrative (houstonchristianbookstore.blogspot.com)

A Look at Paul's Note to Friend Philemon, By Jay Quine

The Epistle of Paul to Philemon

Written from Rome, c. AD 62

Returning back to the city of Colosse, Onesimus, the runaway slave, carried this letter from Paul to his master Philemon, encouraging him to adopt a forgiving attitude and restore Onesimus now as a fellow brother in the Lord.

Verses 1-7 Prayer for Philemon

Since the church met in Philemon’s house (verse 2) it is likely everyone knew about the situation with Onesimus. Although this is a personal letter to Philemon, Paul greets members of this church to bring them into the suggestions he is going to make. Paul first acknowledges Philemon’s love and faith toward Christ and his fellow believers. He thus prays that Philemon will do the right thing according to his faith with respect to the returning Onesimus.

Verses 8-17 Plea for Onesimus

In love, as a fellow believer, Paul asks Philemon do the right thing. Paul explains that Onesimus is like a child to him, having become a Christian while Paul was under house arrest. He reminds Philemon his relationship to Onesimus in eternity will not be one of master / slave, but one of brother / brother.

Verses 18-21 Pledge of Paul

Since Onesimus ran away, Philemon lost some money (perhaps Onesimus even stole some). Paul makes a promise to personally pay any amount Onesimus owed.

Verses 22-25 Personal Matters of Paul

Paul anticipates being released from his house arrest and to visit the city of Colosse soon. He asks the church there to pray that the Lord grant this desire, closing with his usual benediction of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Quine's View of the Key Verse: Philemon 8

“Therefore, through I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do that which is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you--since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”