Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Having confidence {G3982} in thy {G4675} obedience {G5218} I wrote {G1125} unto thee {G4671}, knowing {G1492} that {G3754} thou wilt {G4160} also {G2532} do {G4160} more than {G3739}{G5228} I say {G3004}.
Trusting that you will respond positively, I write knowing that you will indeed do more than I am asking.
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.
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2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all. -
2 Thessalonians 3:4
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. -
2 Corinthians 7:16
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all [things]. -
2 Corinthians 8:22
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you. -
Galatians 5:10
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
Context
This verse concludes Paul's deeply personal and masterfully crafted appeal to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae. The letter concerns Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, who had encountered Paul in prison and become a believer. Paul is sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. In Philemon 1:21, Paul expresses his profound trust in Philemon's Christian character and his expectation that Philemon will not only forgive Onesimus but also go beyond Paul's explicit request, likely hinting at granting Onesimus his freedom.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "obedience" (Greek: hypakoē) here signifies a willing hearing and compliance, rooted in Philemon's faith and love for Christ. It's not a forced submission but a positive response to a plea. The phrase "do more than I say" (Greek: kai perissoteron poiēseis) emphasizes Philemon's anticipated willingness to exceed expectations, signifying a greater act of Christian love and grace, going beyond the letter of Paul's request.
Practical Application
Philemon 1:21 offers valuable insights for believers today: