Philemon 1:21

Obedience. Not in the submissive sense, to a direct command from Paul, because no command is given (see on v. 9) in this letter. Rather, Paul is confident of Philemon’s compliance with the high call of Christian duty. The opportunity to exercise the forgiving love of Christ again confronts Philemon. On the basis of his past performance (see on vs. 5-7) Paul has no question about Philemon’s response.

Do more than I say. Some believe that Paul here suggests the manumission, or setting free, of Onesimus. Paul doubtless hoped that this would be the case (see AA 457). He is confident that Philemon will extend an unreserved welcome to Onesimus, the extent of his welcome measured only by his magnanimous spirit.

The NT does not directly attack the institution of slavery, but it does outline principles that would eventually prove fatal to this institution. In view of the social structure of the Roman Empire Paul’s procedure could hardly be improved upon. He proclaimed the principles of Christian freedom throughout and led men to acknowledge the inhumaneness of slavery. Thus he carried out God’s plan for solving the slave problem by the slower process of growth and enlightenment, rather than by direct attack upon it (see on 1 Corinthians 7:20-24; Ephesians 6:5).