Philemon 1:8

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

8 Therefore, [although I]^[a] have great confidence in Christ to order you [to do what] is proper,

Philemon 1:8 Meaning and Commentary

Philemon 1:8

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ
Or use much freedom of speech in the name of Christ, as an ambassador of his, and great authority as his apostle, which was given him for edification:

to enjoin thee that which is convenient;
which became him as a believer in Christ, and a minister of the Gospel; which was his duty, and was obligatory upon him, agreeable to the doctrines of Christ; who taught men to love their enemies, to be reconciled to their brethren, that had offended them, especially when they repented; and therefore it was fit and proper that he should receive his servant again, since God had called him by his grace, and given him repentance for his sins: upon this foot the apostle could have commanded him, as he did in other cases, ( 2 Thessalonians 3:6 2 Thessalonians 3:12 ) , but he chose not to address him in an authoritative way, but by way of entreaty, as follows.

Philemon 1:8 In-Context

6 [I pray] that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge [of] every good [thing] that [is] in us for Christ.

7 For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

8 Therefore, [although I] have great confidence in Christ to order you [to do what] is proper,

9 instead I appeal to [you] because of love, [since I] am such a one as Paul, now an old man and also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

10 I am appealing to you concerning my child whom I became the father of during my imprisonment, Onesimus.

Footnotes

• [a]. *Here "[although]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("have") which is understood as concessive