Philemon 1:8

8 Darum, wiewohl ich habe große Freudigkeit in Christo, dir zu gebieten, was dir ziemt,

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 daß der Glaube, den wir miteinander haben, in dir kräftig werde durch Erkenntnis alles des Guten, das ihr habt in Christo Jesu.

7 Wir haben aber große Freude und Trost an deiner Liebe; denn die Herzen der Heiligen sind erquickt durch dich, lieber Bruder.

8 Darum, wiewohl ich habe große Freudigkeit in Christo, dir zu gebieten, was dir ziemt,

9 so will ich doch um der Liebe willen nur vermahnen, der ich ein solcher bin, nämlich ein alter Paulus, nun aber auch ein Gebundener Jesu Christi.

10 So ermahne ich dich um meines Sohnes willen, Onesimus, den ich gezeugt habe in meinen Banden,