SEV Biblia, Chapter 1:13
Yo quisiera detenerle conmigo, para que en lugar de ti me sirviese en la prisin del Evangelio;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:13
Verse 13. That in thy stead he might have ministered unto me] As Philemon was one of Paul's converts, he became thereby his spiritual father, and had a right to his services when in need. This was a strong argument, not only to induce Philemon to forgive his servant, but to send him back to the apostle, that he might minister to him in his master's stead.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 13. Whom I would have retained with me , &c.] At Rome, where the apostle was a prisoner: that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel ; the apostle was in bonds, not for any crime, for any immorality he had been guilty of, but for the sake of the Gospel, for professing and preaching that; for this he was an ambassador in bonds, as he elsewhere says, ( Ephesians 6:20). Now he would have kept Onesimus with him, either to have waited upon him, in his bonds, and to have provided for him the necessaries of life; or to have assisted him in the ministration of the word, in the room of Philemon, who, had he been there, would have been employed in such service; so that if the apostle had retained him, he would have been acting not for himself, but in the room of his master, and doing what he should have done, had he been on the spot. This the apostle observes to prevent an objection that might have been made; that since Onesimus was become so profitable to him, why did he send him back? why did he not keep him for his own service? this he obviates and removes, by signifying he should have done it, but for the following reason.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 8-14 - It does not lower any one to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech where, in strictness of right, we might command: the apostle argue from love, rather than authority, in behalf of one converted throug his means; and this was Onesimus. In allusion to that name, whic signifies "profitable," the apostle allows that in time past he ha been unprofitable to Philemon, but hastens to mention the change by which he had become profitable. Unholy persons are unprofitable; the answer not the great end of their being. But what happy change conversion makes! of evil, good; of unprofitable, useful. Religiou servants are treasures in a family. Such will make conscience of their time and trusts, and manage all they can for the best. No prospect of usefulness should lead any to neglect their obligations, or to fail in obedience to superiors. One great evidence of true repentance consist in returning to practise the duties which have been neglected. In his unconverted state, Onesimus had withdrawn, to his master's injury; but now he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and desirous to return to his duty. Little do men know for what purposes the Lor leaves some to change their situations, or engage in undertakings perhaps from evil motives. Had not the Lord overruled some of ou ungodly projects, we may reflect upon cases, in which our destructio must have been sure.
Greek Textus Receptus
ον 3739 εγω 1473 εβουλομην 1014 5711 προς 4314 εμαυτον 1683 κατεχειν 2722 5721 ινα 2443 υπερ 5228 σου 4675 διακονη 1247 5725 μοι 3427 εν 1722 τοις 3588 δεσμοις 1199 του 3588 ευαγγελιου 2098
Vincent's NT Word Studies
13. I would (eboulomhn). Rev., I would fain. See on Matt. i. 19. The imperfect tense denotes the desire awakened but arrested. See on I would, ver. 14.
With me (prov emauton). The preposition expresses more than near or beside. It implies intercourse. See on with God, John i. 1.
In thy stead (uper sou). Rev., correctly, in thy behalf. A beautiful specimen of christian courtesy and tact; assuming that Philemon would have desired to render these services in person.
In the bonds of the Gospel. Connect with me. Bonds with which he is bound for the sake of the Gospel: with which Christ has invested him. A delicate hint at his sufferings is blended with an intimation of the authority which attaches to his appeal as a prisoner of Christ. This language of Paul is imitated by Ignatius. "My bonds exhort you" (Tralles, 12.). "He (Jesus Christ) is my witness, in whom I am bound" (Philadelphia, 7.). "In whom I bear about my bonds as spiritual pearls" (Ephesians, 11.). "In the bonds which I bear about, I sing the praises of the churches" (Magnesians, 1.).
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:13 {I would fain have kept} (eboulomen katechein). Imperfect middle and present infinitive, "I was wishing to hold back." Again from the standpoint of the arrival of Onesimus. {In thy behalf} (huper sou). So "in thy stead,"in place of thee." {He might minister} (diakonei). Present active subjunctive (retained after eboulomen) with hina, purpose continued, "that he might keep on ministering."
