"The letter from the Apostle Paul is brought in and is laid on the
pastor's table, and some account is given of the manner in which it was
received. The letter is read. It refers the Colossians, at the close, to
the bearers, for further information and instructions. 'All my state
shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother and a faithful
minister and fellow-servant in the Lord. Whom I have sent unto you for
the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your
hearts. With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of
you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.'
"Tychicus relates his story, and, when he has finished, Philemon, a
member of the Church, addresses the meeting. He was evidently a man of
distinction in that community, as we infer from the large number of
persons in his household, (ver. 2,) his liberality to poor Christians,
(ver. 5, 7,) and from the marked respect and deference paid to him by
the Apostle. He also had received a letter from the Apostle, and he asks
leave to read it.
"He then tells them that Onesimus is present; that he has been sent back
by the Apostle Paul, and with the full, cordial consent of Onesimus
himself.
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