Philemon 1:8 Why, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin you that which is convenient, The balance and propriety of St. Paul's language in this place is not always understood. He does not say "I have no right at all to command you," but "authority I have to command your obedience — not, indeed, of earthly rank, but in the sphere of Christ." This mingled tone of command and entreaty is the exact reflex of the mingled respect and affection which, in his earliest Epistle, he claims for the ministerial office (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13). There are two spirits which have prevailed in the Christian ministry at different times and in different circumstances — the spirit of the heirarch and the spirit of the religious demagogue. St. Paul's tone here shows that he was too humble for the first, too full of gentle dignity for the second. (Bp. Wm. Alexander.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,WEB: Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate, |
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