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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Being persuaded of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even above what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I write to you [perfectly] confident of your obedient compliance, since I know that you will do even more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am sure you will do all I have asked, and even more. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I am confident as I write to you that you will do this. And I know that you will do even more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask--in fact I know that you will do even more. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you because I know that you will do even more than I ask. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I write to you in the full confidence that you will meet my wishes, for I know you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I wrote to you having been confident in your obedience, having known that you will also do above what I may say;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Being persuaded of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even above what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> having been confident in thy obedience I did write to thee, having known that also above what I may say thou wilt do;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt do above what I say to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I have written to you, trusting in your obedience, knowing, too, that you will do even more than what I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />With trust in your compliance I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Because I have confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because I trust that you will listen to me, I have written to you and I know that you will do more than what I have said.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience I have written to you, knowing that you will do even more than those things which I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Having confidence in thy obedience, I have written unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I writ this upon the presumption of your compliance, being persuaded that you will even do more than I mention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I write to you in the full confidence that you will meet my wishes, for I know you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Being <i>fully</i> persuaded of thy compliance, I have written to thee; knowing that thou wilt indeed do more than I ask.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philemon/1-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=163" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Paul's Appeal for Onesimus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3982.htm" title="3982: Pepoithōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.">Confident of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5218.htm" title="5218: hypakoē (N-DFS) -- Obedience, submissiveness, compliance. From hupakouo; attentive hearkening, i.e. compliance or submission.">obedience,</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: egrapsa (V-AIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I write</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you,</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">knowing</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēseis (V-FIA-2S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">you will do</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">even</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">more</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">than</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I ask.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-16.htm">2 Corinthians 7:16</a></span><br />I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">2 Corinthians 2:3</a></span><br />I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-10.htm">Galatians 5:10</a></span><br />I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-24.htm">Philippians 2:24</a></span><br />And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a></span><br />Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-4.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:4</a></span><br />And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">2 Corinthians 8:22</a></span><br />And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Romans 15:14</a></span><br />I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">2 Corinthians 10:6</a></span><br />And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-25.htm">1 Corinthians 7:25</a></span><br />Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-10.htm">Matthew 8:10</a></span><br />When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-28.htm">Matthew 15:28</a></span><br />“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-28.htm">Matthew 9:28-29</a></span><br />After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. / Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-9.htm">Luke 7:9</a></span><br />When Jesus heard this, He marveled at the centurion. Turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/2-3.htm">2 Corinthians 2:3</a></b></br> And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is <i>the joy</i> of you all.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/7-16.htm">2 Corinthians 7:16</a></b></br> I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all <i>things</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/8-22.htm">2 Corinthians 8:22</a></b></br> And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which <i>I have</i> in you.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-12.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Full</a> <a href="/titus/3-14.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/colossians/2-22.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-16.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Wishes</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Write</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Written</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/3-6.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-35.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-11.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Full</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-2.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-8.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-12.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/james/1-1.htm">Wishes</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Write</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-5.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-7.htm">Written</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philemon/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Confident of your obedience</b><br>Paul expresses his confidence in Philemon's obedience, which reflects the trust and respect he has for Philemon's character and faith. This confidence is rooted in their shared Christian values and the understanding that Philemon will act in accordance with the teachings of Christ. The concept of obedience here is not merely compliance but a willing alignment with the principles of love and forgiveness that Paul has been advocating throughout the letter. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's will, as seen in passages like <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a>, where obedience is valued over sacrifice.<p><b>I write to you</b><br>Paul's act of writing is significant in the context of the early church, where letters were a primary means of communication and instruction. This personal letter to Philemon is unique in the New Testament, as it addresses a private matter with implications for the Christian community. The epistle serves as a model for addressing interpersonal conflicts and promoting reconciliation within the body of Christ. Paul's writing also reflects the apostolic authority he holds, which is respected by the recipients of his letters.<p><b>Knowing that you will do even more than I ask</b><br>Paul's expectation that Philemon will exceed his request highlights the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of believers. This phrase suggests that Philemon's actions will be motivated by love and a desire to reflect Christ's example, rather than mere obligation. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, such as in <a href="/matthew/5-41.htm">Matthew 5:41</a>, where going the extra mile is encouraged. The phrase also implies a deeper level of generosity and grace, which are central to Christian ethics. This expectation of going beyond the minimum requirement is a call to embody the sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-8</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. He writes from prison, appealing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a></b><br>A former slave of Philemon who has become a Christian and is now considered a brother in Christ by Paul.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a></b><br>The body of believers who meet in Philemon's house, representing the early Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/confidence_in_obedience.htm">Confidence in Obedience</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/going_beyond_expectations.htm">Going Beyond Expectations</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_christian_brotherhood.htm">The Power of Christian Brotherhood</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_encouragement.htm">The Role of Encouragement</a></b><br>Paul's letter is filled with encouragement, showing us the importance of uplifting others in their spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>The letter to Philemon is a practical demonstration of living out one's faith through actions, particularly in the context of relationships and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_emulating_jesus.htm">What does it mean to emulate Jesus' actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_a_good_and_faithful_servant.htm">Have you been a good and faithful servant?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_philemon's_style_unlike_paul's.htm">Philemon 1 – Does the style, language, and brevity of this letter raise doubts about its authenticity compared to Paul’s other writings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_main_themes_in_1_peter.htm">What are the main themes in 1 Peter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philemon/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><a href="/context/philemon/1-21.htm" title="Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.">Philemon 1:21-25</a> contain the conclusion of the Epistle--hope to visit Philemon soon, salutation, and blessing.<p>(21) <span class= "bld">Confidence in thy obedience.</span>--It is curious to notice how, in this conclusion, St. Paul seems to glide, as it were insensibly, out of the tone of entreaty as to an equal, into the authority of a superior. The word "obedience" is found in <a href="/2_corinthians/7-15.htm" title="And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.">2Corinthians 7:15</a>, there in connection with "fear and trembling." He preferred to appeal to Philemon's love; he knew that in any case he could rely on his deference.<p><span class= "bld">Do more than I say.</span>--This can hardly refer to anything except the manumission of Onesimus, and possibly his being sent back again to St. Paul. Exactly in this way Christianity was to work out the release of the slave--not by command, but by free and natural inference from its emphatic declaration of his true brotherhood in Christ.<p>(22) <span class= "bld">A lodging.</span>--The word often signifies "hospitality" generally, which Philemon might naturally offer in his own house, but which St. Paul would not suggest or ask.<p><span class= "bld">I shall be given unto you.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">as a favour</span> from supreme authority. Comp. the technical and forensic use of the word in <a href="/acts/3-14.htm" title="But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted to you;">Acts 3:14</a>; <a href="/acts/25-11.htm" title="For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.">Acts 25:11</a> : for good in one case, in the other for evil. If he was so "granted," it would be by Caesar instrumentally, by God's overruling will ultimately. The passage, like <a href="/philippians/2-24.htm" title="But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.">Philippians 2:24</a>, but even more definitely, expresses St. Paul's expectation of a release which might enable him to visit the East again. It is curious that there is no similar allusion in the Colossian Epistle, sent with this. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I wrote unto thee</span>; <span class="accented">write</span> (Revised Version; see Ver. 19), or perhaps referring back, as in Ver. 19, to the request in Ver. 17. The strong, fervid, and repeated appeals of the apostle had not been caused by distrust of Philemon, nor of their own efficacy, but were the natural outcome of the strong interest he felt in the case of Onesimus, and the desire he felt to replace him in the favor of his master; partly also, perhaps, to the warmth and fervor of his natural character, which uttered itself involuntarily in forcible expressions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Confident of</span><br /><span class="grk">Πεποιθὼς</span> <span class="translit">(Pepoithōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3982.htm">Strong's 3982: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">σου</span> <span class="translit">(sou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">obedience,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπακοῇ</span> <span class="translit">(hypakoē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5218.htm">Strong's 5218: </a> </span><span class="str2">Obedience, submissiveness, compliance. From hupakouo; attentive hearkening, i.e. compliance or submission.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I write</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔγραψά</span> <span class="translit">(egrapsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,</span><br /><span class="grk">σοι</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowing</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰδὼς</span> <span class="translit">(eidōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will do</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιήσεις</span> <span class="translit">(poiēseis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">more</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπὲρ</span> <span class="translit">(hyper)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="grk">ἃ</span> <span class="translit">(ha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I ask.</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγω</span> <span class="translit">(legō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philemon/1-21.htm">Philemon 1:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philemon/1-21.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:21 Having confidence in your obedience I write (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>