Philemon 1:21

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.

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

  • Trust and Confidence: Paul demonstrates remarkable confidence in Philemon's spiritual maturity and willingness to act righteously. This trust is based on Philemon's established reputation for love and faith towards the saints.
  • Christian Obedience and Generosity: The verse highlights a form of obedience that transcends mere compliance. Paul anticipates Philemon's readiness to respond to his appeal with a generosity that exceeds what is explicitly asked, reflecting the spirit of Christ.
  • Implicit Appeal for Manumission: While Paul does not directly command Philemon to free Onesimus, his statement "knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say" is a powerful and subtle plea for Onesimus's manumission. Paul appeals to Philemon's conscience and Christian love, trusting him to make the right, generous decision.

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:

  • Go Beyond the Expected: It challenges us to not only fulfill explicit commands but to seek opportunities to demonstrate extraordinary Christian love, forgiveness, and generosity, going "the extra mile" (Matthew 5:41).
  • Trust in Fellow Believers: Paul's confidence in Philemon models the importance of trusting in the spiritual maturity and good intentions of others within the Christian community.
  • The Power of Implicit Appeals: It illustrates how appeals to conscience and Christian character can be more effective than strict commands in fostering reconciliation and growth, allowing individuals to act out of genuine love rather than obligation.
  • Love as the Fulfiller of the Law: True Christian obedience often involves acting out of a spirit of love and grace, which naturally leads to actions that surpass mere duty, embodying the principle that love is the fulfilling of the law.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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