Charles Spurgeon Commentary Philemon 1:8-9

"Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting, yet for love`s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:" — Philemon 1:8-9 (ASV)

Therefore, 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 an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

He says in effect, "I am an apostle, and I am your spiritual father, so I might have spoken with authority to you, and have said, 'It is your duty to do this;' but I am not going to do anything of the kind. I am going to plead with you, and ask it of you as a kindness and a favor. Pay a loving tribute to my old age; and besides that, I am a prisoner confined in the dungeon for Christ's sake; hear the clanking of my chains, and grant my request for love's sake."