“As much as reason required, it was fitting to command a disciple as a master by the authority of the apostolic faith: but because Philemon was a good man, he entices him through affection to obedience, as if he were a companion in age, and a prisoner of Jesus Christ, that is, bound by the affairs of the Lord, or subje…”
Ambrosiaster, 4th c. — Commentary on Philemon
Original
9Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Modern
Preparing…
Teens
Preparing…
Kids
Preparing…
In context
7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
— Philemon 1:9 —
10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: