Philemon Chapter 1, Verse 8
From BibleWiki
8: διο πολλην εν χριστω παρρησιαν εχων επιτασσειν σοι το ανηκον
8: Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin
thee that which is convenient,
8: Wherefore, though I have much confidence in Christ Jesus to command
thee that which is to the purpose:
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ. Though I might have much boldness as an apostle of Christ. He means that he was invested with authority by the Lord Jesus, and would have a right, as an apostle, to enjoin what ought to be done in the case which he is about to lay before him. Comp. 1Thess 2:6, 1Thess 2:7.
To enjoin thee that which is convenient. To command what is proper to be done. The word convenient here, (to anhkon,) means that which would be fit or proper in the case. Comp. See Barnes "Eph 5:4".
The apostle implies here that what he was about to ask, was proper to be done in the circumstances, but he does not put it on that ground, but rather asks it as a personal favour. It is usually not best to command a thing to be done, if we can as well secure it by asking it as a favour. Comp. Dan 1:8, Dan 1:11,12.
