though . . . bold . Literally having much boldness (Greek. parrhesia , freedom of speech). Compare Acts 2:29 . enjoin = command. Greek. epitasso convenient. Greek. aneko . See Ephesians 5:4 . read more
Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,Paul never for a moment relinquished his right of command as an apostle of Jesus Christ; but this verse, with the next, has the effect of saying, "Please do not consider the request that I am about to make as an order; it is not that at all, but an earnest plea from brother to brother."Though I have all boldness ... to enjoin ... "This is a distinct assertion of the right to command."[21]Why did not Paul... read more
Philemon 1:8.— After this preparation, the apostle comes to the main subject of his Epistle; which was, to request Philemon to take Onesimus into his favour again. The main argument which he urges is, that he, through divine grace, had converted Onesimus to genuine Christianity, who would therefore prove another sort of servant than he had formerly been: such softness of expression, warmth of affection, and elegance of address, are here made use of, as deserve the highest approbation. read more
Wherefore — Because of my love to thee, I prefer to “beseech,” rather than “enjoin,” or authoritatively command.I might ... enjoin — in virtue of the obligation to obedience which Philemon lay under to Paul, as having been converted through his instrumentality.in Christ — the element in which his boldness has place. read more
Paul’s confidence (Gr. parresia) was his assurance that if he commanded Philemon to do as he requested because Paul was an apostle, Philemon would do it."The term parresia which literally means ’all speech’ was used originally in the sphere of politics to signify the democratic right of a full citizen of a Greek city-state to speak out one’s opinion freely. Later it was found as a characteristic of the relations between true friends in opposition to the feigned compliments of flatterers . . ."... read more
A. Paul’s appeal vv. 8-11 read more
III. PLEA FOR ONESIMUS vv. 8-21Paul appealed to Philemon to receive Onesimus back and to forgive him. He did this to enable Onesimus to fulfill his obligations to Philemon and to encourage Philemon to benefit from Onesimus’ conversion rather than to be stumbled by it. read more
(8, 9) Wherefore . . . for love’s sake . . .—Still the same idea runs on. Philemon’s love, shown in Christian fellowship, is in the Apostle’s mind; “therefore,” he adds, “for love’s sake”—speaking in the spirit of love, to which he knew there would be a ready response—he will not command, as an Apostle, what is “convenient,” i.e., seemly, in a Christian (comp. Ephesians 5:14; Colossians 3:18), but will “entreat” as a brother.(9) Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.—At this... read more
(8-20) Here St. Paul enters on the main subject of his Letter—the recommendation to Philemon of his runaway slave, Onesimus. All thoughtful readers of the Epistle must recognise in this a peculiar courtesy and delicacy of tone, through which an affectionate earnestness shows itself, and an authority all the greater because it is not asserted in command. The substance is equally notable in its bearing on slavery. Onesimus is doubly welcomed into the Christian family. He is St. Paul’s son in the... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:1-21
CONTENTS OF THE LETTERPaul greets Philemon, his wife Apphia, and the other believers who meet in their home. He also greets Archippus, who was possibly their son and who was serving God in that region (1-3; cf. Colossians 4:17). Paul rejoices because of what he has heard (probably from Epaphras and Onesimus; cf. Colossians 1:7-8; Colossians 4:9,Colossians 4:12) of Philemon’s strong faith in God and sincere love for God’s people. This faith and love have been a source of strength and... read more