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But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Value of Willing Generosity
Commentators unanimously highlight Paul's core principle: a good deed is most meaningful when given willingly, not by force or necessity. Paul wanted Philemon's decision to be a voluntary act of generosity from the heart. As John Calvin notes, this reflects a broader spiritual truth that God values cheerful, uncompelled offerings.
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Book Overview
Philemon
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9
18th Century
Presbyterian
But without thy mind would I do nothing (Philemon 1:14). Nothing in the matter referred to. He would not retain Onesimus in hi…
Without thy mind (χωρις της σης γνωμης). Judgment, purpose (1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 7:25). Ablat…
19th Century
Anglican
That thy benefit should not be . . .—The benefit derived from the service of Onesimus St. Paul acknowledges as coming fro…
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Baptist
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…
16th Century
Protestant
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…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
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…
13th Century
Catholic
Having expressed his confidence in Philemon’s goodness, Paul now states his request.
He first indicates the person on whose behalf…
