Ask Kindly

Philemon 1:8-13 KJV

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

Paul claims authority to have enjoined or ordered Philemon to receive Onesimus back kindly, but chooses rather to ask it of him on these grounds:

Paul's age

A person of maturity learns he doesn't have to use authority. Much more is accomplished by leading and appreciating and respecting others than can be accomplished by driving people.

Paul's affliction

As a prisoner of the Lord Philemon well knew Paul was paying the highest price for his service to the Lord. Surely this warranted a favor.

Paul's affinity with Philemon

As friends, brothers and fellowlaborers of the Lord Paul believed his request to Philemon would be honored.

Paul's Affection of Onesimus

Though he had returned Onesimus to Philemon, he returned him a different man than had left. Onesimus could have been of great value to Paul. He counted him as a son in the faith, born through the hardship of his imprisonment. Paul would have relished in the companionship and fellowship with this prize of such trying circumstances.