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"Prepare a guest room for me..."

Text: Philemon 22

A JOYOUS HOPE

The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this very personal letter to his dear friend Philemon. As he drew near to the conclusion of his letter he expressed a joyous hope of being able to see Philemon again.

“But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me,
for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.”
Philemon 22

1. “But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me”

a) Paul anticipated being released from prison.

b) He looked forward to seeing Philemon on his release.

2. “Prepare a guest room for me”

a) The word “prepare” was written in the imperative mood (mode).

b) However this does not mean that Paul was commanding Philemon.

c) The imperative mood is often used in the following ways:-

i) A request.

ii) It is often used in strong pleas in the language of prayers addressed to God.

iii) In the Lord’s prayer the requests made to God were all written in the imperative.

3. “The guest room”

a) It could mean a room in Philemon’s home.

b) It may also refer to a room in an inn.

c) Most likely, Paul was making reference to staying in the home of Philemon.

4. “I trust”

a) This may be translated “I hope”.

b) Paul was never presumptuous.

5. “Through your prayers”

a) Paul certainly believed that prayers are never uttered in vain.

b) He was gratefully aware that Philemon was praying for him.

6. “I shall be granted to you”

a) The word “granted” is derived from the word “grace”.

It may be translated “graciously given”.

b) Paul’s release from prison and going to the home of Philemon would be possible only through the abundant grace of God!