Philemon 1:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,

NIV: Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do,

NASB: Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper,

CSB: For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right,

NLT: That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.

KJV: Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

NKJV: Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,

The New Testament refers to all Christian as "saints" (Philemon 1:7). Paul also refers to the believers in Colossae as "saints" four times in Colossians chapter 1 (Colossians 1:2–4, 12, 26).

Verse 8 shifts Paul's focus to Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave. Rather than start with Philemon's authority over his slave, Paul begins with his own authority. Paul not only has a mandate given to him by God as an apostle, he also has the boldness to use it, when appropriate. Paul could have directly commanded Philemon to forgive and release Onesimus. However, as the following verses show, Paul's preference is to appeal to Philemon's positive qualities, mentioned in verses 4–7.

Paul's reference to doing "what is proper," or "what is required," is a general statement, yet Paul has something specific in mind. In verse 13 he will express willingness to keep Onesimus with him, to serve Paul in prison on Philemon's behalf. Paul will also ask Philemon to receive Onesimus the same way he would receive Paul (Philemon 1:17). This means treating him as an honored guest (Philemon 1:22), and as a brother (Philemon 1:16).

Putting these together implies that Paul wants Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, and then free him from slavery, so he can serve in ministry. This was a remarkably bold request in that culture. It would require a large expression of the love Paul had just praised Philemon for having towards all the saints (Philemon 1:7).

Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.