Philemon 1:21

‘Having confidence in your obedience I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.’

Then, lest Philemon think that he is doubting him, he declares that he has full confidence that he will do what Paul has asked him, yes, and will even do more. This last phrase, ‘even beyond what I say’, may be a hint that Philemon might give Onesimus his freedom, or it may be a hint that he return him to Paul. Either way it is to give Onesimus a new status.