Philemon 1:8 - Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Philemon 1:8" mean?
Let's break down Philemon 1:8 and understand its meaning:
"Therefore": This word connects the verse to the preceding verses (1-7). Paul has just been praising Philemon for his love, faith, and good deeds, which have refreshed the hearts of the saints. He's established a foundation of mutual respect and affection.
"though I have all boldness in Christ": Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ. As such, he possesses authority and the right to command obedience from fellow believers. The phrase "in Christ" emphasizes that his authority is derived from his relationship with Christ, not from personal power or status.
"to command you that which is appropriate": Paul acknowledges his right to issue a command. The phrase "that which is appropriate" (or "fitting" in some translations) refers to something that is right, proper, and in accordance with Christian principles. He's not saying he will command, but that he could.
In essence, the verse means:
Because of my position as an apostle and my connection with Christ, I have the full authority to tell you directly what you should do in this situation, and that direction would be the right and proper thing to do.
Nuances and Context:
The key to understanding this verse lies in what Paul doesn't say. He could command Philemon, but he doesn't choose to. Instead, he appeals to Philemon's love and Christian character.
This is because Paul is writing about Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian under Paul's ministry and is now being sent back to Philemon, his owner. The appropriate thing would be to command Philemon to free Onesimus and treat him as a brother in Christ. Instead of commanding it, he appeals to Philemon's love and sense of Christian brotherhood. He does this to make a more compelling appeal and to encourage genuine transformation in Philemon's heart, rather than forced compliance. Paul's decision to appeal rather than command highlights the transformative power of love and grace over legalistic obligation.
Philemon 1:8 - Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
What does "Philemon 1:8" mean?
Let's break down Philemon 1:8 and understand its meaning:
"Therefore": This word connects the verse to the preceding verses (1-7). Paul has just been praising Philemon for his love, faith, and good deeds, which have refreshed the hearts of the saints. He's established a foundation of mutual respect and affection.
"though I have all boldness in Christ": Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ. As such, he possesses authority and the right to command obedience from fellow believers. The phrase "in Christ" emphasizes that his authority is derived from his relationship with Christ, not from personal power or status.
"to command you that which is appropriate": Paul acknowledges his right to issue a command. The phrase "that which is appropriate" (or "fitting" in some translations) refers to something that is right, proper, and in accordance with Christian principles. He's not saying he will command, but that he could.
In essence, the verse means:
Because of my position as an apostle and my connection with Christ, I have the full authority to tell you directly what you should do in this situation, and that direction would be the right and proper thing to do.
Nuances and Context:
The key to understanding this verse lies in what Paul doesn't say. He could command Philemon, but he doesn't choose to. Instead, he appeals to Philemon's love and Christian character.
This is because Paul is writing about Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian under Paul's ministry and is now being sent back to Philemon, his owner. The appropriate thing would be to command Philemon to free Onesimus and treat him as a brother in Christ. Instead of commanding it, he appeals to Philemon's love and sense of Christian brotherhood. He does this to make a more compelling appeal and to encourage genuine transformation in Philemon's heart, rather than forced compliance. Paul's decision to appeal rather than command highlights the transformative power of love and grace over legalistic obligation.