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
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 1 Samuel 15:22, where obedience is valued over sacrifice.

I write to you
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.

Knowing that you will do even more than I ask
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 Matthew 5:41, 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 Philippians 2:3-8.

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.