Philemon 1:21
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Having confidence in thy obedience--to my apostolic authority, if I were to "enjoin" it (Plm 1:8), which I do not, preferring to beseech thee for it as a favor (Plm 1:9). thou will also do more--towards Onesimus: hinting at his possible manumission by Philemon, besides, being kindly received.
Open source ↗In this epistle we have, I. The preface (Plm 1:1-7). II. The substance and body of it (Plm 1:8-21). And then the conclusion (Plm 1:22 to the end.)
Open source ↗1:21 and even more: Paul might be hinting that he would like to see Onesimus released (cp. 1:13-14), or he might simply be expressing confidence in Philemon’s kindness.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.
And we are sending along with them our brother whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.