Verse 7
Paul felt much joy and comfort as he heard of Philemon’s love. The Greek word translated "hearts" (splagchna) designates total personality at the deepest level. [Note: Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, s.v. splagchnon, by H. Köster, 7 (1971):555.] Philemon had already demonstrated the kind of behavior that Paul was going to call on him to manifest again. Paul’s request would test his response. However, Paul was confident of Philemon’s cooperation. He appealed to him from the same authority level, as a "brother" (cf. Philemon 1:2 where Paul called Apphia a "sister").
"Paul must have put Philemon in a precarious position indeed. In pleading for forgiveness and restitution for Onesimus without a punishment that was obvious to all, he was confronting the social and economic order head on. While he does not ask for manumission, even his request for clemency for Onesimus and hint of his assignment to Paul defied Roman tradition. By this plea Paul is also giving new dignity to the slave class." [Note: Rupprecht, p. 460.]
Be the first to react on this!
