Philemon 1:21

Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Study Bible

Confident of your obedience
The word "confident" in the Greek is "pepoithēs," which conveys a deep sense of trust and assurance. Paul expresses a profound trust in Philemon's character and spiritual maturity. This confidence is not merely based on human expectation but is rooted in the shared faith and love that Paul and Philemon have in Christ. The term "obedience" here, "hypakoē," implies a willing submission to authority, in this case, the authority of Christ and the apostolic guidance of Paul. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on mutual submission and accountability within the body of Christ.

I write to you
The act of writing, "graphō," in the ancient world was a significant means of communication, especially for the apostles. Paul's letters were not just personal correspondences but were intended to be read aloud to the church, serving as authoritative teaching. This phrase underscores the importance of written communication in preserving apostolic doctrine and guidance. The personal nature of this letter to Philemon highlights the relational aspect of Paul's ministry, emphasizing the personal care and concern he had for individual believers.

knowing that you will do
The Greek word for "knowing," "eidōs," suggests an intuitive understanding or perception. Paul is not merely hopeful but has a certain knowledge of Philemon's character and his commitment to Christ. This reflects the deep relational bonds within the early church, where leaders like Paul could speak with certainty about the actions of fellow believers. The phrase "you will do" indicates an expectation of action, a call to live out one's faith in tangible ways, which was a hallmark of early Christian ethics.

even more than I ask
The phrase "even more than I ask" reveals Paul's expectation of Philemon's generosity and willingness to go beyond the minimum requirements of duty. The Greek word "perissoteron" (more) suggests abundance and overflow. This reflects the Christian principle of going the extra mile, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Historically, this expectation would have been counter-cultural, as Roman society was often transactional. Paul is appealing to a higher standard of love and grace that transcends societal norms, encouraging Philemon to reflect the boundless love of Christ in his actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Philemon
A Christian leader in Colossae, to whom Paul writes this personal letter. He is a man of faith and love, known for his hospitality and support of the church.

2. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. He writes from prison, appealing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus.

3. Onesimus
A former slave of Philemon who has become a Christian and is now considered a brother in Christ by Paul.

4. Colossae
The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home.

5. The Church
The body of believers who meet in Philemon's house, representing the early Christian community.

Teaching Points

Confidence in Obedience
Paul expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience, which reflects a deep trust and understanding of Philemon's character. This teaches us the importance of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Going Beyond Expectations
Paul not only expects Philemon to forgive Onesimus but also to do more than what is asked. This challenges us to exceed expectations in our acts of love and forgiveness.

The Power of Christian Brotherhood
The transformation of Onesimus from a slave to a brother in Christ illustrates the radical change that faith can bring. It encourages us to view others through the lens of their identity in Christ.

The Role of Encouragement
Paul's letter is filled with encouragement, showing us the importance of uplifting others in their spiritual journey.

Faith in Action
The letter to Philemon is a practical demonstration of living out one's faith through actions, particularly in the context of relationships and reconciliation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Paul's confidence in Philemon's obedience challenge us in our own relationships with fellow believers?

2. In what ways can we "do even more" than what is expected of us in our acts of forgiveness and love, as Paul suggests to Philemon?

3. How does the transformation of Onesimus from a slave to a brother in Christ inspire us to view others in our community?

4. What role does encouragement play in our spiritual lives, and how can we be more intentional in encouraging others?

5. How can the principles found in Philemon 1:21 be applied to modern-day issues of reconciliation and forgiveness within the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Colossians 3:13
This verse emphasizes forgiveness, which is a central theme in Paul's appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus.

Matthew 18:21-22
Jesus' teaching on forgiveness, which parallels Paul's request for Philemon to forgive Onesimus.

Galatians 3:28
Highlights the equality of all believers in Christ, which underpins Paul's argument for Onesimus' acceptance.