Without thy mind (χωρις της σης γνωμης). Judgment, purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 7:25). Ablat…

But without thy mind would I do nothing (Philemon 1:14). Nothing in the matter referred to. He would not retain Onesimus in hi…

That thy benefit should not be . . .—The benefit derived from the service of Onesimus St. Paul acknowledges as coming fro…

Whom I would have retained with me, that in your place he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel: but without your consent woul…

Paul has been speaking as an urbane, deferential, educated man of the classical world. But now, after he has cited a number of reasons for allowing…

That your benefit might not be by constraint. This is drawn from the general rule that no sacrifices are acceptable to God but those which…

But without your mind would I do nothing
Which shows great modesty and humility in the apostle, that though as such …

It does not lower anyone to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, strictly speaking, we could command. The apostle argues from love, ra…

1. Having expre ed his confidence in Philemon’s goodne , Paul now states his request.

   He first indicates the person on whose behalf h…