Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
Parallel translations
- KJV Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
- BSB So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,
- NKJV Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting,
- NASB Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper,
- 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul says that in Christ he could boldly command Philemon to do what is right. Yet he deliberately chooses not to use that authority.
Overview
As an apostle Paul has the standing to issue a directive about Onesimus, and he acknowledges it plainly. But mentioning his authority only to set it aside heightens the grace of his approach. He prefers to win Philemon's willing obedience rather than coerce it, modeling how Christian leadership persuades through love rather than mere command.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- 1 Th 2:6nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.
- 2 Cor 10:8For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,
- 2 Cor 3:12Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,
- 1 Th 2:2but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.
- 2 Cor 11:21I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet in whatever way anyone is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.
- 2 Cor 10:1–2Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
- Eph 5:4nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.
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Christ at the center
The plea to receive a runaway slave as a beloved brother, charging his debt to Paul's account, is a living picture of how Christ receives us and pays what we owe.
How Philemon 1:8 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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