Philemon 1:8-14
I Prefer to Appeal
Read the passage
8So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,
9I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. For I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus as well.
10I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.
11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
12I am sending back to you him who is my very heart.
13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul could command Philemon to do what is proper, but he chooses to appeal on the basis of love. He speaks as an aged man and a prisoner of Christ, asking Philemon to respond from the faith and affection they share.
His appeal concerns Onesimus, whom he calls his child. Paul became his spiritual father while in chains. The man who had formerly been useless to Philemon has now become useful to both of them. Paul presents him as a changed person and someone he deeply loves.
Paul is sending Onesimus back, though he would have liked to keep him to help during his imprisonment for the gospel. He describes sending him as sending his own heart. The request is personal and costly, with Onesimus's welfare and service close to Paul's concern.
Paul did not want to act without Philemon's consent. He wants the good response to be willing rather than forced. That does not make the proper thing unimportant; it describes the kind of obedience Paul seeks. Love should move Philemon to welcome and help a brother whose life has changed through Christ.
Questions
1 On what basis does Paul choose to appeal?
AnswerHe appeals on the basis of love, though he has confidence in Christ to command Philemon to do what is proper.
2 Why does Paul call Onesimus his child?
AnswerHe became Onesimus's spiritual father while imprisoned. The description expresses their bond in Christ and Paul's deep care for him.
3 What change does Paul describe in Onesimus?
AnswerHe was formerly useless to Philemon but has become useful to both Philemon and Paul, who values his help in the gospel.
4 Why does Paul seek Philemon's consent?
AnswerHe wants Philemon's goodness to be willing rather than compelled. His appeal seeks an obedient response that comes from love.
What This Means for Us
When asking someone to do what is right, explain the good you are seeking and give them room to respond thoughtfully. Patient appeal can help willing obedience grow where pressure produces only outward compliance.
Receive evidence of change in another believer with care. Paul describes Onesimus's change honestly and insists that his present service and place in Christ deserve recognition.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make our obedience willing and our love patient. Help us recognize the changes Your grace brings, speak for those who need support and seek the good of others without manipulation. Amen.