Philemon 1:9 kjv

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Philemon 1:9 nkjv

yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you?being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ?

Philemon 1:9 niv

yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul?an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus?

Philemon 1:9 esv

yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you ? I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus ?

Philemon 1:9 nlt

But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me ? Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.

Philemon 1 verses

Philemon 1 9 Meaning

Philemon 1:9 presents Paul's deliberate choice to appeal to Philemon not by commanding him with apostolic authority, which he possesses (v. 8), but rather by pleading based on their shared love in Christ. He underscores this personal appeal by identifying himself as Paul, an old man, and crucially, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, thereby emphasizing humility, vulnerability, and shared suffering for the Gospel. This approach aims to elicit Philemon's voluntary cooperation stemming from love and Christian character, rather than legal or hierarchical obligation.

Philemon 1 9 Context

Philemon is a short, personal letter from Paul, likely written during his first Roman imprisonment (around AD 60-62), at the same time as Colossians and Ephesians. It addresses Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, concerning his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had encountered Paul in Rome, converted to Christianity, and had become a valuable helper to the apostle. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon, not as a slave but as "a beloved brother" (v. 16).

Verse 9 directly follows verse 8, where Paul states, "Though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper" (CSB). This juxtaposition highlights Paul's deliberate choice to forego his apostolic authority. Instead of issuing a command (an authoritative imperative), he opts for an appeal (a loving entreaty). The social context involves Roman slavery, where masters held absolute rights over their slaves. Paul's letter does not abolish slavery directly but radically transforms the relationship within the Christian brotherhood, laying foundational principles of equality and love that would ultimately undermine the institution. Paul's personal appeal in verse 9 is a strategic and deeply Christian way to navigate this sensitive social reality and facilitate Philemon's embrace of his transformed relationship with Onesimus.

Philemon 1 9 Word analysis

• for love's sake (διὰ τὴν ἀγάπην, dia tēn agapēn):

  • dia (διὰ): A preposition meaning "through" or "on account of." Here it denotes the grounds or reason for Paul's action.
  • agapēn (ἀγάπην): Refers to divine, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love. This is the cornerstone of Christian ethics. Paul chooses this, their mutual Christian love, as the basis for his request, not his status or authority. It is an appeal to Philemon's spiritual nature. The implication is that a response out of agapē would be superior to a response compelled by a command. This love stands in contrast to legalistic obligation.

• I rather appeal to you— (μᾶλλον παρακαλῶ, mallon parakalō):

  • mallon (μᾶλλον): Means "rather," "instead," or "more." It explicitly indicates a contrast to what Paul could have done (command in v. 8) versus what he chooses to do (appeal). This is a strategic and humble approach.
  • parakalō (παρακαλῶ): From parakaleō, meaning "to call alongside," "to urge," "to exhort," "to comfort," or "to entreat/appeal." It is not a command. It is a persuasive and compassionate plea, inviting cooperation based on relationship rather than asserting power.

• I, Paul, (ἐγὼ Παῦλος, egō Paulos):

  • egō (ἐγὼ): The emphatic Greek pronoun "I." While redundant in English, its inclusion in Greek can add emphasis. Paul personalizes the appeal; it's him, a known and respected figure, making the request. It suggests vulnerability and a direct, personal relationship with Philemon.

• an old man (πρεσβύτης, presbytēs):

  • presbytēs (πρεσβύτης): This word has a dual meaning: "an old man" or "an ambassador/envoy."
    • As "old man": Most common interpretation. It elicits sympathy and respect for age, presenting Paul as vulnerable and in his latter years, underscoring the sincerity of his personal plea. This resonates with the "prisoner" status. Paul’s advancing age could make his situation even more precarious and warrant compassion.
    • As "ambassador": Some scholars argue for "ambassador," connecting to Paul's description of himself as an ambassador in chains (Eph 6:20). While plausible in isolation, within this verse, coupled with "prisoner" and the humble tone, "old man" fits better to emphasize the relational appeal over a formal diplomatic request. The vast majority of English translations render it "old man."

• and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— (καὶ νυνὶ δέσμιος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, kai nyni desmios Christou Iēsou):

  • kai nyni (καὶ νυνὶ): "and now also." Emphasizes his current status.
  • desmios (δέσμιος): "a bound person," "a prisoner." This isn't just a physical reality but carries deep theological significance for Paul.
  • "of Christ Jesus" (Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ): The genitive case here is significant. It can mean:
    1. Possessive/Belonging: He is Christ's prisoner; he belongs to Christ even in chains. His bondage serves God's sovereign plan.
    2. Origin/Cause: He is a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus or because of Christ Jesus and the Gospel. His imprisonment is directly linked to his mission for Christ.Both meanings are likely intended, enhancing his credibility and emotional appeal. His suffering is not meaningless; it is for Christ and therefore holy.

Philemon 1 9 Bonus section

The rhetorical strategy employed by Paul in Philemon 1:9, often referred to as "pathos" (appeal to emotion/pity) combined with "ethos" (credibility through his suffering for Christ), is masterful. It effectively disarms any potential defensiveness Philemon might have felt regarding Onesimus and predisposes him towards a generous response. This approach reflects a deep understanding of human nature and the power of love in transformation, far exceeding mere legal or social demands. The very personal nature of Paul’s opening sets the stage for a request that pushes against prevailing social norms regarding slavery, implicitly demanding a radical, Christ-like response from Philemon—not through obligation but through inspired choice rooted in Christian brotherhood. This letter does not legislate the end of slavery but plants the seeds of equality and love that would inevitably challenge its existence within the believing community.

Philemon 1 9 Commentary

Philemon 1:9 encapsulates a profound lesson in Christian leadership and relational dynamics. Paul, the formidable apostle who readily exercised authority where necessary, deliberately chooses humility and appeal rooted in love when addressing Philemon. This is not weakness, but strength in the Spirit. His decision to appeal "for love's sake" underscores that true Christian fellowship and action should stem from a heart of willing devotion (agapē), not reluctant obedience to a command. By presenting himself as "an old man" and "a prisoner of Christ Jesus," Paul leverages vulnerability and shared identification with Christ's suffering, making his plea profoundly personal and deeply resonant. This self-identification, far from diminishing him, elevates the appeal from a master-servant dynamic to a Christ-centered brotherhood, inviting Philemon to respond out of compassion and shared faith, embodying the radical transformative power of the Gospel. It’s an example of leadership by influence and example, rather than by imposition.

Examples for practical usage:

• A leader in a church opting to serve alongside rather than just directing tasks.
• A parent asking a teenager for help with household chores, appealing to family unity and love, instead of issuing an order.
• A team member in a Christian organization volunteering for an undesirable task, not because they have to, but "for love's sake" of the mission.