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Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Unspoken Request for Freedom
Scholars widely agree that when Paul says he knows Philemon will "do even beyond what I say," he is subtly but clearly asking for Onesimus to be set free. While Paul explicitly asks for forgiveness and acceptance, commentators like A.T. Robertson and Charles Ellicott see the "more" he anticipates as Onesimus's full manumission, a radical step that would truly demonstrate Christian brotherhood.
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Book Overview
Philemon
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
Having confidence in thy obedience. That you would comply with all my expressed desires.
I wrote unto thee. "I have written…
Obedience (υπακοη). "Compliance" seems less harsh to us in the light of 9.
I write (εγραψα). Epistolary ao…
19th Century
Anglican
Philemon 1:21–25 contain the conclusion of the Epistle—hope to visit Philemon soon, salutation, and blessing.
Confid…
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Baptist
This is delicately yet forcibly put, and we feel certain that Philemon must have done as Paul wished, even though we have no record of the fact.
Paul has avoided giving any commands to Philemon (cf. v.8), but he nonetheless expects “obedience” (GK 5633). To what? Perhaps the love of Christ (…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Having confidence in your obedience In his obedience of faith to Christ, and his Gospel; he having been made willing…
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When we speak of the nature of any sin or offense against God, its evil is not to be lessened; but in a penitent sinner, as God covers it, so must …
13th Century
Catholic
Having expressed his confidence in Philemon’s goodness, Paul now states his request.
He first indicates the person on whose behalf…
