Philemon 1:21

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 1:18-25

1:18-25 If he has done you any damage or owes you anything, put it down to my account. I, Paul, write with my own hand--I will repay it, not to mention to you that you owe your very self to me. Yes, my brother, let me make some Christian profit out of you! Refresh my heart in Christ. It is with complete confidence in your willingness to listen that I write to you, for I know well that you will do more than I ask. At the same time get ready a lodging place for me; for I hope that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience ,.... In his obedience of faith to Christ, and his Gospel; he having been made willing in the day of his power to serve him, as well as to be saved by him; and being constrained by his love, and the Spirit of Christ having wrought in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure: l wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say ; the knowledge the apostle had of Philemon's cheerful obedience to Christ in all the parts of duty,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience - I know that it will please thee thus to oblige thy friend, and I know that thou wilt do more than I request, because thou feelest the affection of a son to thy spiritual father. Some think that the apostle hints to Philemon that he should manumit Onesimus. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:21

I wrote unto thee ; write (Revised Version; see Philemon 1:19 ), or perhaps referring back, as in Philemon 1:19 , to the request in Philemon 1:17 . The strong, fervid, and repeated appeals of the apostle had not been caused by distrust of Philemon, nor of their own efficacy, but were the natural outcome of the strong interest he felt in the case of Onesimus, and the desire he felt to replace him in the favor of his master; partly also, perhaps, to the warmth and fervor of his natural... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:21-22

The apostle's concluding appeal He now glides insensibly into the language of authority, which all along he had a right to assume. "Having confidence in thine obedience, I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say." I. THE MOST WILLING MAY BE FAIRLY URGED TO THE COURSE OF DUTY . The apostle assures Philemon that he does not doubt his obedience, yet he thinks it necessary to stir up his pure mind to a remembrance of his obligations. 1. ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience - That you would comply with all my expressed desires.I wrote unto thee - “I have written to you;” to wit, in this Epistle.Knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say - In all the respects which he had mentioned - in receiving Onesimus, and in his kind treatment of him. He had asked a great favor of him, but he knew that he would go even beyond what he had asked. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philemon 1:21-22

Philemon 1:21-22. Having confidence in thy obedience That thou wilt comply with my request; I wrote Rather, I have written; to thee With great freedom; knowing that thou wilt do more than I say Wilt show Onesimus more kindness than I have expressed. Some commentators think the apostle here insinuates to Philemon, that it would be proper for him to give Onesimus his freedom, and many are of opinion that he actually did so. But withal Αμα δε , but at the same time, that I beseech... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philemon 1:21

Having confidence . App-150 . knowing. App-192 . also do more = do more also. more than = above ( App-104 .) that which. read more

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