Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Philemon 1:21 (KJV)

Context

The book of Philemon is a personal letter written by the apostle Paul to Philemon, a believer in Colossae. Philemon was a slave owner, and one of his slaves, Onesimus, had run away and ended up meeting Paul in prison. During his time with Paul, Onesimus became a Christian. In this letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Meaning

Paul expresses confidence in Philemon’s obedience, trusting that he will respond positively to the request to receive Onesimus with love and forgiveness. This confidence is rooted in Paul’s knowledge of Philemon’s character and commitment to Christ. Paul also emphasizes that he has written to Philemon, intentionally addressing the situation through a letter rather than in person. By doing so, he gives Philemon time to reflect and consider his response carefully.

The phrase “do more than I say” reveals Paul’s expectation that Philemon will go beyond the specific request. Paul anticipates that Philemon will not only receive Onesimus back but will also show him kindness, acceptance, and equality, treating him as a brother in Christ rather than a slave. This expectation reflects the principle of voluntary, willing obedience rather than forced compliance, which Paul earlier expressed in the letter when he said he did not want Philemon’s benefit to be of necessity but willingly.

Application

• Obedience and Trust: Paul’s confidence in Philemon’s obedience highlights the importance of trust within Christian relationships. It encourages believers to be reliable and trustworthy in their commitments to others, especially when it comes to following God’s commands.

• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The letter to Philemon emphasizes the power of forgiveness and reconciliation within the body of Christ. It challenges believers to extend grace, love, and forgiveness to those who have wronged them, promoting unity and restoration.

• Going the Extra Mile: Paul’s expectation that Philemon will exceed his request demonstrates the principle of going above and beyond in acts of love and kindness. As Christians, we are called to show generosity, compassion, and mercy, not just meeting the minimum requirements but going the extra mile to bless others.

Philemon 1:21 serves as a reminder to believers to have confidence in one another’s obedience and to strive for reconciliation and unity through forgiveness and acts of love. It encourages us to exceed expectations in our relationships, displaying the transformative power of Christ’s love in our lives.