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Selected Verse: Philemon 1:8 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Phm 1:8	Strong Concordance	Wherefore [1352], though I might be [2192] much [4183] bold [3954] in [1722] Christ [5547] to enjoin [2004] thee [4671] that which is convenient [433],
	King James	Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Wherefore--Because of my love to thee, I prefer to "beseech," rather than "enjoin," or authoritatively command. I might . . . enjoin--in virtue of the obligation to obedience which Philemon lay under to Paul, as having been converted through his instrumentality. in Christ--the element in which his boldness has place.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Wherefore--Because of my love to thee, I prefer to "beseech," rather than "enjoin," or authoritatively command.

I might . . . enjoin--in virtue of the obligation to obedience which Philemon lay under to Paul, as having been converted through his instrumentality.

in Christ--the element in which his boldness has place.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ - Though I might have much boldness as an apostle of Christ. He means that he was invested with authority by the Lord Jesus, and would have a right, as an apostle, to enjoin what ought to be done in the case which he is about to lay before him; compare Th1 2:6-7. To enjoin thee that which is convenient - To command what is proper to be done. The word "convenient" here (τὸ ἀνῆκω to anēkō), means that which would be fit or proper in the case; compare the notes at Eph 5:4. The apostle implies here that what he was about to ask, was proper to be done in the circumstances, but he does not put it on that ground, but rather asks it as a personal layout. It is usually not best to command a thing to be done if we can as well secure it by asking it as a favor; compare Dan 1:8, Dan 1:11-12.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Wherefore Seeing that I have these proofs of thy love. Connect with I rather beseech (Plm 1:9). I might be much bold (πολλὴν παῤῥησίαν ἔχων) Better, as Rev., I have all boldness. Παῤῥησία boldness is opposed to fear, Joh 7:13; to ambiguity or reserve, Joh 11:14. The idea of publicity may attach to it as subsidiary, Joh 7:4. In Christ As holding apostolic authority from Christ. That which is convenient (τὸ ἀνῆκον) Rev., befitting. Convenient is used in A.V., in the earlier and stricter sense of suitable. Compare Eph 5:4. Thus Latimer: "Works which are good and convenient to be done." Applied to persons, as Hooper: "Apt and convenient persons." The modern sense merges the idea of essential fitness. The verb ἀνήκω originally means to come up to; hence of that which comes up to the mark; fitting. Compare Col 3:18; Eph 5:4. It conveys here a delicate hint that the kindly reception of Onesimus will be a becoming thing.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
I might be bold in Christ - Through the authority he hath given me.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Wherefore, though I might be much bold - It would be better to read: Wherefore, although I have much authority through Christ, to command thee to do what is proper; yet, on account of my love to thee, I entreat thee. The tenderness and delicacy of this epistle, says Dr. Paley, have long been admired: "Though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient; yet, for love's sake, I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds." There is something certainly very melting and persuasive in this and every part of the epistle. Yet, in my opinion, the character of St. Paul prevails in it throughout. The warm, affectionate, authoritative teacher is interceding with an absent friend for a beloved convert. He urges his suit with an earnestness befitting, perhaps, not so much the occasion as the ardour and sensibility of his own mind. Here also, as everywhere, he shows himself conscious of the weight and dignity of his mission; nor does he suffer Philemon, for a moment, to forget it: "I might be much bold in Christ, to enjoin thee that which is convenient." He is careful also to recall, though obliquely, to Philemon's memory, the sacred obligation under which he had laid him, by bringing him to the knowledge of Christ: "I do not say to thee, how thou owest to me even thine own self besides." Without laying aside, therefore, the apostolic character, our author softens the imperative style of his address, by mixing with it every sentiment and consideration that could move the heart of his correspondent. Aged, and in prison, he is content to supplicate and entreat. Onesimus was rendered dear to him by his conversation and his services; the child of his affliction, and "ministering unto him in the bonds of the Gospel." This ought to recommend him, whatever had been his fault, to Philemon's forgiveness: "Receive him as myself, as my own bowels." Every thing, however, should be voluntary. St. Paul was determined that Philemon's compliance should flow from his own bounty; "Without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly;" trusting, nevertheless, to his gratitude and attachment for the performance of all that he requested, and for more: "Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say." St. Paul's discourse at Miletus; his speech before Agrippa; his Epistle to the Romans; that to the Galatians, Gal 4:11-20; to the Philippians, Phi 1:29; Phi 2:2; the second to the Corinthians, Co2 6:1-13; and indeed some part or other of almost every epistle, exhibit examples of a similar application to the feelings and affections of the persons whom he addresses. And it is observable that these pathetic effusions, drawn for the most part from his own sufferings and situation, usually precede a command, soften a rebuke, or mitigate the harshness of some disagreeable truth. Horae Paulinae, p. 334.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826

Wherefore, though I might be much bold - It would be better to read: Wherefore, although I have much authority through Christ, to command thee to do what is proper; yet, on account of my love to thee, I entreat thee.

The tenderness and delicacy of this epistle, says Dr. Paley, have long been admired: "Though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient; yet, for love's sake, I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds."

There is something certainly very melting and persuasive in this and every part of the epistle. Yet, in my opinion, the character of St. Paul prevails in it throughout. The warm, affectionate, authoritative teacher is interceding with an absent friend for a beloved convert. He urges his suit with an earnestness befitting, perhaps, not so much the occasion as the ardour and sensibility of his own mind. Here also, as everywhere, he shows himself conscious of the weight and dignity of his mission; nor does he suffer Philemon, for a moment, to forget it: "I might be much bold in Christ, to enjoin thee that which is convenient." He is careful also to recall, though obliquely, to Philemon's memory, the sacred obligation under which he had laid him, by bringing him to the knowledge of Christ: "I do not say to thee, how thou owest to me even thine own self besides." Without laying aside, therefore, the apostolic character, our author softens the imperative style of his address, by mixing with it every sentiment and consideration that could move the heart of his correspondent. Aged, and in prison, he is content to supplicate and entreat. Onesimus was rendered dear to him by his conversation and his services; the child of his affliction, and "ministering unto him in the bonds of the Gospel." This ought to recommend him, whatever had been his fault, to Philemon's forgiveness: "Receive him as myself, as my own bowels." Every thing, however, should be voluntary. St. Paul was determined that Philemon's compliance should flow from his own bounty; "Without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly;" trusting, nevertheless, to his gratitude and attachment for the performance of all that he requested, and for more: "Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say." St. Paul's discourse at Miletus; his speech before Agrippa; his Epistle to the Romans; that to the Galatians, Gal 4:11-20; to the Philippians, Phi 1:29; Phi 2:2; the second to the Corinthians, Co2 6:1-13; and indeed some part or other of almost every epistle, exhibit examples of a similar application to the feelings and affections of the persons whom he addresses. And it is observable that these pathetic effusions, drawn for the most part from his own sufferings and situation, usually precede a command, soften a rebuke, or mitigate the harshness of some disagreeable truth. Horae Paulinae, p. 334.

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¹¹ Then said [0559] Daniel [01840] to Melzar [04453], whom the prince [08269] of the eunuchs [05631] had set [04487] over Daniel [01840], Hananiah [02608], Mishael [04332], and Azariah [05838],
¹² Prove [05254] thy servants [05650], I beseech thee, ten [06235] days [03117]; and let them give [05414] us pulse [02235] to eat [0398], and water [04325] to drink [08354].

⁸ But Daniel [01840] purposed [07760] in his heart [03820] that he would not defile [01351] himself with the portion [06598] of the king's [04428] meat [06598], nor with the wine [03196] which he drank [04960]: therefore he requested [01245] of the prince [08269] of the eunuchs [05631] that he might not defile [01351] himself.

⁴ Neither [2532] filthiness [151], nor [2532] foolish talking [3473], nor [2228] jesting [2160], which [3588] are [433] not [3756] convenient [433]: but [235] rather [3123] giving of thanks [2169].

⁶ Nor [3777] of [1537] men [444] sought [2212] we glory [1391], neither [3777] of [575] you [5216], nor [3777] yet of [575] others [243], when we might [1410] have been [1511] burdensome [1722] [922], as [5613] the apostles [652] of Christ [5547].
⁷ But [235] we were [1096] gentle [2261] among [1722] [3319] you [5216], even as [5613] a nurse [5162] cherisheth [302] [2282] her [1438] children [5043]:

⁴ Neither [2532] filthiness [151], nor [2532] foolish talking [3473], nor [2228] jesting [2160], which [3588] are [433] not [3756] convenient [433]: but [235] rather [3123] giving of thanks [2169].

¹⁸ Wives [1135], submit yourselves [5293] unto your own [2398] husbands [435], as [5613] it is fit [433] in [1722] the Lord [2962].

⁴ Neither [2532] filthiness [151], nor [2532] foolish talking [3473], nor [2228] jesting [2160], which [3588] are [433] not [3756] convenient [433]: but [235] rather [3123] giving of thanks [2169].

⁴ For [1063] there is no man [3762] that doeth [4160] any thing [5100] in [1722] secret [2927], and [2532] he himself [846] seeketh [2212] to be [1511] known openly [1722] [3954]. If [1487] thou do [4160] these things [5023], shew [5319] thyself [4572] to the world [2889].

¹⁴ Then [5119] [3767] said [2036] Jesus [2424] unto them [846] plainly [3954], Lazarus [2976] is dead [599].

¹³ Howbeit [3305] no man [3762] spake [2980] openly [3954] of [4012] him [846] for [1223] fear [5401] of the Jews [2453].

⁹ Yet for [1223] love's [26] sake I [3870] rather [3123] beseech [3870] thee, being [5607] such an one [5108] as [5613] Paul [3972] the aged [4246], and [1161] now [3570] also [2532] a prisoner [1198] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547].

¹ We [3870] then [1161], as workers together [4903] with him, beseech [3870] you also [2532] that ye [5209] receive [1209] not [3361] the grace [5485] of God [2316] in [1519] vain [2756].
² (For [1063] he saith [3004], I have heard [1873] thee [4675] in a time [2540] accepted [1184], and [2532] in [1722] the day [2250] of salvation [4991] have I succoured [997] thee [4671]: behold [2400], now [3568] is the accepted [2144] time [2540]; behold [2400], now [3568] is the day [2250] of salvation [4991].)
³ Giving [1325] no [3367] offence [4349] in [1722] any thing [3367], that [3363] the ministry [1248] be [3469] not [3363] blamed [3469]:
⁴ But [235] in [1722] all [3956] things approving [4921] ourselves [1438] as [5613] the ministers [1249] of God [2316], in [1722] much [4183] patience [5281], in [1722] afflictions [2347], in [1722] necessities [318], in [1722] distresses [4730],
⁵ In [1722] stripes [4127], in [1722] imprisonments [5438], in [1722] tumults [181], in [1722] labours [2873], in [1722] watchings [70], in [1722] fastings [3521];
⁶ By [1722] pureness [54], by [1722] knowledge [1108], by [1722] longsuffering [3115], by [1722] kindness [5544], by [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], by [1722] love [26] unfeigned [505],
⁷ By [1722] the word [3056] of truth [225], by [1722] the power [1411] of God [2316], by [1223] the armour [3696] of righteousness [1343] on the right hand [1188] and [2532] on the left [710],
⁸ By [1223] honour [1391] and [2532] dishonour [819], by [1223] evil report [1426] and [2532] good report [2162]: as [5613] deceivers [4108], and [2532] yet true [227];
⁹ As [5613] unknown [50], and [2532] yet well known [1921]; as [5613] dying [599], and [2532], behold [2400], we live [2198]; as [5613] chastened [3811], and [2532] not [3361] killed [2289];
¹⁰ As [5613] sorrowful [3076], yet [1161] alway [104] rejoicing [5463]; as [5613] poor [4434], yet [1161] making [4148] many [4183] rich [4148]; as [5613] having [2192] nothing [3367], and [2532] yet possessing [2722] all things [3956].
¹¹ O ye Corinthians [2881], our [2257] mouth [4750] is open [455] unto [4314] you [5209], our [2257] heart [2588] is enlarged [4115].
¹² Ye are [4729] not [3756] straitened [4729] in [1722] us [2254], but [1161] ye are straitened [4729] in [1722] your own [5216] bowels [4698].
¹³ Now [1161] for a recompence [489] in the same [846], (I speak [3004] as [5613] unto my children [5043],) be [4115] ye [5210] also [2532] enlarged [4115].

² Fulfil ye [4137] my [3450] joy [5479], that [2443] ye be likeminded [846] [5426], having [2192] the same [846] love [26], being of one accord [4861], of one [1520] mind [5426].

²⁹ For [3754] unto you [5213] it is given [5483] in the behalf [5228] of Christ [5547], not [3756] only [3440] to believe [4100] on [1519] him [846], but [235] also [2532] to suffer [3958] for [5228] his sake [846] [5228];

¹¹ I am afraid [5399] of you [5209], lest [3381] [4458] I have bestowed [2872] upon [1519] you [5209] labour [2872] in vain [1500].
¹² Brethren [80], I beseech [1189] you [5216], be [1096] as [5613] I [1473] am; for [3754] I [2504] am as [5613] ye [5210] are: ye have not injured [91] me [3165] at all [3762].
¹³ [1161] Ye know [1492] how [3754] through [1223] infirmity [769] of the flesh [4561] I preached the gospel [2097] unto you [5213] at the first [4386].
¹⁴ And [2532] my [3450] temptation [3986] which was in [1722] my [3450] flesh [4561] ye despised [1848] not [3756], nor [3761] rejected [1609]; but [235] received [1209] me [3165] as [5613] an angel [32] of God [2316], even as [5613] Christ [5547] Jesus [2424].
¹⁵ Where [5101] is [2258] then [3767] the blessedness [3108] ye [5216] spake of? for [1063] I bear [3140] you [5213] record [3140], that [3754], if [1487] it had been possible [1415], ye would have plucked out [1846] your [5216] own eyes [3788], and have given them [302] [1325] to me [3427].
¹⁶ Am I [1096] therefore [5620] become [1096] your [5216] enemy [2190], because I tell [226] you [5213] the truth [226]?
¹⁷ They zealously affect [2206] you [5209], but not [3756] well [2573]; yea [235], they would [2309] exclude [1576] you [5209], that [2443] ye might affect [2206] them [846].
¹⁸ But [1161] it is good [2570] to be zealously affected [2206] always [3842] in [1722] a good [2570] thing, and [2532] not [3361] only [3440] when [1722] I [3165] am present [3918] with [4314] you [5209].
¹⁹ My [3450] little children [5040], of whom [3739] I travail in birth [5605] again [3825] until [891] [3739] Christ [5547] be formed [3445] in [1722] you [5213],
²⁰ [1161] I desire [2309] to be present [3918] with [4314] you [5209] now [737], and [2532] to change [236] my [3450] voice [5456]; for [3754] I stand in doubt [639] of [1722] you [5213].