What does Philemon 1:8 mean?

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Philemon 1:8

Explanation

Philemon 1:8 reads, “Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,” where the apostle Paul is addressing Philemon, a leader in the early Christian church. In this verse, Paul is explaining that he has the authority in Christ to command Philemon to do certain things, yet he chooses a different approach. The term “convenient” in this context does not merely mean something that is suited to personal comfort or easy to do; rather, it refers to something that is proper or fitting in the eyes of Christian duty and love. In effect, Paul is emphasizing the value of mutual respect and voluntary action over authoritarian demands, setting a tone of persuasion and appeal rather than command.

Historical Context

The Book of Philemon is a personal letter written by the apostle Paul, around 60 A.D. This epistle is addressed to Philemon, a wealthy person and a member of the Colossian church. The letter concerns Onesimus, a slave who had wronged Philemon and had run away to meet Paul, who was in prison at that time. After Onesimus became a Christian through Paul’s ministry, Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter, urging reconciliation and appealing for Onesimus to be received not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. The verse in focus is part of Paul’s warm and diplomatic yet powerful plea.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates several key aspects of Christian ethics and spiritual leadership:

• Apostolic Authority: Paul had apostolic authority, which he could have used to command obedience, but he refrains from wielding that power, preferring to lead through love and moral persuasion.
• Christian Freedom: The verse may hint at the Christian principle where the believer is called upon to do what is fitting out of love rather than obligation, signifying moral responsibility stemming from freedom in Christ.
• Ethics of Love: Paul’s respectful approach to Philemon is a model for Christian behavior, emphasizing a relationship based on mutual respect and love rather than coercion.

Practical Applications

• Interpersonal Relationships: This verse teaches the importance of approaching others with respect and love when asking them to consider a course of action.
• Leadership: Leaders, whether in the church or elsewhere, can learn from Paul’s example to influence others through example and gentle persuasion rather than through power and directives.
• Conflict Resolution: The principle of seeking what is fitting through love can be applied in resolving disputes and encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 10:1 – “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:”
• Galatians 5:13 – “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
• Ephesians 4:1-2 – “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

Language Study

• Bold (tolmaō): To dare, be bold. Paul is saying he would dare to command due to his position in Christ.
• Enjoin (epitassō): To prescribe, order, command. Here it is about what Paul could rightfully prescribe to Philemon.
• Convenient (anēkēn): That which is proper or becoming. It carries the idea of what is appropriate in terms of Christian behavior and community standards.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

• In Greco-Roman culture, the power dynamics between a patron and client or master and slave were steeped in hierarchy. Paul’s approach challenges these norms, promoting a revolutionary idea of egalitarianism within the Christian context.
• Other religious traditions also emphasize ethical persuasion over compulsion, such as Buddhism’s stress on right action as a personal choice that stems from inner conviction rather than forced obedience.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of authority and persuasion can be studied under social psychology. In particular, compliance strategies such as the foot-in-the-door technique have some parallels with Paul’s approach—gaining voluntary compliance through building on smaller requests. The motivational factors behind human behavior, as emphasized in this verse, align with modern understanding of the complex interactions between authority, social structures, and individual agency.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse note its significance in terms of Paul’s tact, humility, and use of persuasion. They often point out Paul’s reluctance to exercise his apostolic authority in a dictatorial manner, preferring instead to appeal to Philemon on the basis of brotherly love and common faith. Moreover, the use of ‘convenient’ is commented upon for its deeper connotations of what is suitable or befitting among Christians, expanding the focus beyond mere social norms to include spiritual considerations aligned with the teachings of Christ.