| Geneva Study Bible Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, People's New Testament 1:8 Wherefore. After this introduction Paul states the purpose of the letter. Though I might be very bold in Christ. As an apostle, and as the one who gave Philemon the gospel, he had the right to enjoin thee that which is convenient. To command what is befitting. Wesley's Notes 1:8 I might be bold in Christ - Through the authority he hath given me. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 8. Wherefore-Because of my love to thee, I prefer to "beseech," rather than "enjoin," or authoritatively command. I might . enjoin-in virtue of the obligation to obedience which Philemon lay under to Paul, as having been converted through his instrumentality. in Christ-the element in which his boldness has place. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1:8-14 It does not lower any one to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, in strictness of right, we might command: the apostle argues from love, rather than authority, in behalf of one converted through his means; and this was Onesimus. In allusion to that name, which signifies profitable, the apostle allows that in time past he had been unprofitable to Philemon, but hastens to mention the change by which he had become profitable. Unholy persons are unprofitable; they answer not the great end of their being. But what happy changes conversion makes! of evil, good; of unprofitable, useful. Religious servants are treasures in a family. Such will make conscience of their time and trusts, and manage all they can for the best. No prospect of usefulness should lead any to neglect their obligations, or to fail in obedience to superiors. One great evidence of true repentance consists in returning to practise the duties which have been neglected. In his unconverted state, Onesimus had withdrawn, to his master's injury; but now he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and desirous to return to his duty. Little do men know for what purposes the Lord leaves some to change their situations, or engage in undertakings, perhaps from evil motives. Had not the Lord overruled some of our ungodly projects, we may reflect upon cases, in which our destruction must have been sure. | 
