Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you that which is required,
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Though Paul is writing to a layman, he nonetheless does not exert his apostolic authority in order to issue orders but respects Philemon as a faithful Christian and of the same age, one who is bound to Christ as he is. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
Within reason, the master was perfectly entitled on the basis of his apostolic authority to tell his disciple what to do, but because Philemon was a good man, Paul makes an appeal.
Wherefore, though I might have much confidence Now St. Paul disposeth Philemon to grant his request, I am persuaded I might command thee, and thou wouldst not take it amiss. (Witham)
To command thee As an apostle of Jesus Christ, I have the power even of ordering thee to forgive Ones Imus, and to receive him again into favour; likewise as Paul, the aged, respect and regard being always due in a particular manner to old men; or again, as a prisoner of Jesus Christ, suffering here out of love for Jesus Christ and the faithful: I might here make use of all these different reasons to induce thee to pardon a poor fugitive slave, but I will not; I merely as a poor humble supplicant, forgetting all the dignity due to my apostleship, my grey hairs, or my chains, beseech thee to pardon him. Nor can I for a moment doubt of obtaining my request, when I consider the great charity thou hast in Jesus Christ towards all the saints. (Calmet; Haydock)
For it was needful for me to have been stirred up by you in faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering. But inasmuch as love suffers me not to be silent in regard to you, I have therefore taken.
For it was needful for me to have been admonished by you in faith, exhortation, patience, and long-suffering. But inasmuch as love suffers me not to be silent in regard to you, I have therefore taken
Observe how cautious he is, lest any of the things which were spoken even from exceeding love should so strike the hearer, as that he should be hurt. For this reason before he says, to enjoin you, since it was offensive, although, as spoken out of love, it was more proper to soothe him, yet nevertheless from an excess of delicacy, he as it were corrects it by saying, Having confidence, by which he implies that Philemon was a great man, that is You have given confidence to us. And not only that, but adding the expression in Christ, by which he shows that it was not that he was more illustrious in the world, not that he was more powerful, but it was on account of his faith in Christ—then he also adds, to enjoin you, and not that only, but that which is convenient, that is, a reasonable action. And see out of how many things he brings proof for this. You do good to others, he says, and to me, and for Christ's sake, and that the thing is reasonable, and that love gives, wherefore also he a...
