Philemon 1:8

8 Therefore, though I have much boldness in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach that I could in fact order you to do your chovah musarit (moral duty) of avodas hakodesh (holy service),

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 your emunah (faith) being shared in Moshiach’s kiruv rechokim (bringing near the far away ones) may become effective in the da’as of every mitzvah we may do for Moshiach.

7 For I had simcha gedolah (much joy) and chizzuk (encouragement) because of your ahavah, for the levavot of the Kadoshim have been refreshed through you, Ach b’Moshiach.

8 Therefore, though I have much boldness in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach that I could in fact order you to do your chovah musarit (moral duty) of avodas hakodesh (holy service),

9 Yet I would rather make an appeal on the mekor (basis) of ahavah (agapé)?I, [Rav] Sha’ul, the Zaken (Elder) but also a prisoner of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua.

10 I appeal to you concerning beni, having "fathered" him (to a new birth) while in bais hasohar (prison)?that is, Onesimus (T.N. the slave boy Onesimus’ name means "Useful")