SEV Biblia, Chapter 1:21
Te he escrito confiando en tu obediencia, sabiendo que aun hars ms de lo que digo.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:21
Verse 21. Having confidence in thy obedience] I know that it will please thee thus to oblige thy friend, and I know that thou wilt do more than I request, because thou feelest the affection of a son to thy spiritual father. Some think that the apostle hints to Philemon that he should manumit Onesimus.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 21. Having confidence in thy obedience , &c.] In his obedience of faith to Christ, and his Gospel; he having been made willing in the day of his power to serve him, as well as to be saved by him; and being constrained by his love, and the Spirit of Christ having wrought in him both to will and to do of his good pleasure: l wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say ; the knowledge the apostle had of Philemon's cheerful obedience to Christ in all the parts of duty, encouraged him to write to him, on this head; believing that he would even do more than he had desired of him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 15-22 - When we speak of the nature of any sin or offence against God, the evi of it is not to be lessened; but in a penitent sinner, as God cover it, so must we. Such changed characters often become a blessing to all among whom they reside. Christianity does not do away our duties to others, but directs to the right doing of them. True penitents will be open in owning their faults, as doubtless Onesimus had been to Paul upon his being awakened and brought to repentance; especially in case of injury done to others. The communion of saints does not destro distinction of property. This passage is an instance of that being imputed to one, which is contracted by another; and of one becomin answerable for another, by a voluntary engagement, that he might be freed from the punishment due to his crimes, according to the doctrin that Christ of his own will bore the punishment of our sins, that we might receive the reward of his righteousness. Philemon was Paul's so in the faith, yet he entreated him as a brother. Onesimus was a poor slave, yet Paul besought for him as if seeking some great thing for himself. Christians should do what may give joy to the hearts of on another. From the world they expect trouble; they should find comfor and joy in one another. When any of our mercies are taken away, ou trust and hope must be in God. We must diligently use the means, and i no other should be at hand, abound in prayer. Yet, though praye prevails, it does not merit the things obtained. And if Christians d not meet on earth, still the grace of the Lord Jesus will be with their spirits, and they will soon meet before the throne to join for ever in admiring the riches of redeeming love. The example of Onesimus ma encourage the vilest sinners to return to God, but it is shamefull prevented, if any are made bold thereby to persist in evil courses. Ar not many taken away in their sins, while others become more hardened Resist not present convictions, lest they return no more.
Greek Textus Receptus
πεποιθως 3982 5756 τη 3588 υπακοη 5218 σου 4675 εγραψα 1125 5656 σοι 4671 ειδως 1492 5761 οτι 3754 και 2532 υπερ 5228 ο 3739 λεγω 3004 5719 ποιησεις 4160 5692
Vincent's NT Word Studies
21. More than I say (uper). Beyond. Possibly hinting at manumission.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:21 {Obedience} (hupakoi). "Compliance" seems less harsh to us in the light of #9. {I write} (egraya). Epistolary aorist again. {Even beyond what I say} (kai huper ha legw). That can only mean that Paul "knows" (eidws, second perfect active participle of oida) that Philemon will set Onesimus free. He prefers that it come as Philemon's idea and wish rather than as a command from Paul. Paul has been criticized for not denouncing slavery in plain terms. But, when one considers the actual conditions in the Roman empire, he is a wise man who can suggest a better plan than the one pursued here for the ultimate overthrow of slavery.
