What does Philemon 1:21 mean?

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. Philemon 1:21

Explanation

Philemon 1:21 reveals the apostle Paul’s confident expectation in Philemon’s willingness to heed his appeal regarding the treatment of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian and who Paul is sending back to his master, Philemon. In the preceding verses, Paul gently reminds Philemon of the Christian principles of brotherhood and forgiveness and asks him to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother. This particular verse suggests that Paul not only anticipates that Philemon will comply with his request but also that he will exceed Paul’s expectations in his actions.

Historical Context

The epistle of Philemon was written by the apostle Paul around 60 A.D. The context is the early Christian community, where social constructs such as slavery were common. Onesimus, a slave, had escaped from Philemon, who lived in Colossae, and somehow came into contact with Paul while he was in prison. Through Paul, Onesimus became a Christian, and Paul is writing to intercede on his behalf so that Philemon might receive him not just as a returning slave but as a brother in Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates the transformative power of the Christian faith on societal relationships and standards. It suggests a level of trust that should be present among believers and a radical re-envisioning of social roles—specifically in this instance, the master-slave relationship—under the influence of Christian values of love, mercy, and equality. It elevates the concept of obedience from a legal or societal expectation to a moral and spiritual one, rooted in the Christian ethic of love.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Philemon 1:21 encourages individuals to exceed the expectations of others by demonstrating grace and generosity. It challenges believers to embody the Christian principles of forgiveness and love in their interactions, to build trust with others, and to act in ways that reflect the transformative power of faith. This could mean going the extra mile in reconciliation, offering forgiveness without condition, or supporting others beyond what is asked or required.

Cross-References

• Colossians 3:23: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
• 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
• Matthew 5:41: “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

Language Study

The original Greek word for “confidence” used in this verse is “pepoithas” (πεποιθὰς), which implies trust or faith in someone’s actions or behavior. “Obedience,” the word “hypakoe” (ὑπακοὴ), could also mean compliance or responsiveness to a request or command. When Paul states “thou wilt also do more than I say,” the phrase “more than” translates from “perissos” (περισσός), suggesting an abundance or exceeding expectation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient cultures, the concept of granting clemency or showing mercy to a subordinate or one considered ‘lesser’ was not entirely unknown, but the Christian ethic that Paul is advocating for goes further, pressing for equality and brotherhood on a spiritual and social level, which was revolutionary at the time. In the Greco-Roman world where the status was important, Paul’s encouragement to see a slave as a brother was counter-cultural.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not present direct scientific claims, the psychological and social sciences support the benefits of trust-building and exceeding expectations in relational dynamics. Qualities like generosity, altruism, and the ethical treatment of others contribute to healthy and stable communities, which is consistent with the behaviors Paul is advocating.

commentaries

Commentaries often point out Paul’s tactful approach in this verse and his awareness of Philemon’s potential as a compassionate Christian leader. They underline the transition from societal norms to Christian ideals that Paul is championing. John Calvin comments on the expectation of Christian love to be generous, while Matthew Henry emphasizes the effective power of charitable expectations over hard injunctions. Contemporary scholars acknowledge the small-scale yet significant impact this personal appeal could have had on Christian ethics, especially on the issue of slavery and interpersonal relationships within the Church.