Philemon 1:8 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philemon 1:8-25

We have here, I. The main business of the epistle, which was to plead with Phlm. on behalf of Onesimus, that he would receive him and be reconciled to him. Many arguments Paul urges for this purpose, Phlm. 1:8-21. The 1st Argument is taken from what was before noted, and is carried in the illative wherefore: ?Seeing so much good is reported of thee and found in thee, especially thy love to all saints, now let me see it on a fresh and further occasion; refresh the bowels of Onesimus and mine... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philemon 1:8-17

1:8-17 I could well be bold in Christ to give you orders as to where your duty lies, but for love's sake I would rather put it in the form of a request, I, Paul, such as I am, an old man now, a prisoner of Christ. My request to you is for my child, whom I begat in my bonds--I mean Onesimus, who was once useless to you, but who is now useful to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, and that is the same as to send you a bit of my own heart. I could have wished to keep him beside myself,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:8

Wherefore, though I might be much bold - It would be better to read: Wherefore, although I have much authority through Christ, to command thee to do what is proper; yet, on account of my love to thee, I entreat thee. The tenderness and delicacy of this epistle, says Dr. Paley, have long been admired: "Though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient; yet, for love's sake, I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:8

Verse 8 8.Wherefore, while I have great confidence in Christ to command thee. That is, “though I have authority so that I might justly command thee, yet thy love makes me prefer to entreat thee.” read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8

Render: Although I have abundant freedom [boldness, or. even license] in Christ to enjoin upon thee that which is fitting. It was only in Christ , and by his authority as an apostle, that he could claim to come between a slave and his master. Secular warrant for doing so he had none. Such authority and license, however, he would not use on this occasion. He prefers to rely wholly on the respect and personal attachment felt towards him by Philemon, for the granting of his request, which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8-10

The religion of Christ a defense of social order, not a disturbing force. There have been religions which have been simply forces of destruction. Mohammedanism, when it was first preached, and even to this day, as far as its power extends, has the Koran in one hand and the scimitar in the other, and offers but the alternatives of conversion, slavery, or death. The actors in the French Revolution of 1789 strove to spread their new gospel of liberty, equality, and fraternity at the point of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8-11

Appeal by entreaty rather than command. The apostle here enters on the main subject of his letter, and introduces it with a singular mixture of courtesy, affection, and authority. I. IT IS SOMETIMES WISE TO FOREGO THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY . "Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting, yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee." 1. Ministers possess authority . They are required to speak with authority. "Charge... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:8

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ - Though I might have much boldness as an apostle of Christ. He means that he was invested with authority by the Lord Jesus, and would have a right, as an apostle, to enjoin what ought to be done in the case which he is about to lay before him; compare 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7.To enjoin thee that which is convenient - To command what is proper to be done. The word “convenient” here (τὸ ἀνῆκω to anēkō), means that which would be fit or proper in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philemon 1:8-9

Philemon 1:8-9. Wherefore Because we are so well assured of thy benevolent disposition, and thy constant readiness to do every good in thy power; though I might be much bold in Christ Might take great freedom in virtue of my relation to him, and the authority he has given me; to enjoin thee and others that which is convenient Proper and reasonable to be done. Yet for love’s sake, &c. That is, instead of using my authority; I rather beseech thee By that love which thou bearest... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philemon 1:8-25

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philemon 1:8-17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8-10

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8-11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philemon 1:8-9

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