So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,
Parallel translations
- WEB Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
- 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,
- 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 did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
- 2 Cor 10:8For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
- 2 Cor 3:12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
- 1 Th 2:2As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
- 2 Cor 11:21To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about.
- 2 Cor 10:1–2Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
- Eph 5:4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
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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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