New International Version Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. New Living Translation I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! English Standard Version Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Berean Standard Bible Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Berean Literal Bible Being persuaded of your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even above what I say. King James Bible Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. New King James Version Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. New American Standard Bible Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. NASB 1995 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. NASB 1977 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. Legacy Standard Bible Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. Amplified Bible I write to you [perfectly] confident of your obedient compliance, since I know that you will do even more than I ask. Berean Annotated Bible Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Christian Standard Bible Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Holman Christian Standard Bible Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. American Standard Version Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say. Contemporary English Version I am sure you will do all I have asked, and even more. English Revised Version Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say. GOD'S WORD® Translation I am confident as I write to you that you will do this. And I know that you will do even more than I ask. Good News Translation I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask--in fact I know that you will do even more. International Standard Version Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you because I know that you will do even more than I ask. NET Bible Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do. New Heart English Bible Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. Webster's Bible Translation Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. Weymouth New Testament I write to you in the full confidence that you will meet my wishes, for I know you will do even more than I say. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleConfident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. World English Bible Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI wrote to you having been confident in your obedience, having known that you will also do above what I may say; Berean Literal Bible Being persuaded of your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even above what I say. Young's Literal Translation having been confident in thy obedience I did write to thee, having known that also above what I may say thou wilt do; Smith's Literal Translation Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt do above what I say to thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTrusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. Catholic Public Domain Version I have written to you, trusting in your obedience, knowing, too, that you will do even more than what I say. New American Bible With trust in your compliance I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. New Revised Standard Version Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBecause I have confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I ask. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Because I trust that you will listen to me, I have written to you and I know that you will do more than what I have said. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentHaving confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Godbey New Testament Having confidence in your obedience I have written to you, knowing that you will do even more than those things which I say. Haweis New Testament Having confidence in thy obedience, I have written unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do more than I say. Mace New Testament I writ this upon the presumption of your compliance, being persuaded that you will even do more than I mention. Weymouth New Testament I write to you in the full confidence that you will meet my wishes, for I know you will do even more than I say. Worrell New Testament Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Worsley New Testament Being fully persuaded of thy compliance, I have written to thee; knowing that thou wilt indeed do more than I ask. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Paul's Appeal for Onesimus…20Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.… Cross References Confident of your obedience, 2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 2 Corinthians 2:9 My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. I write to you, 1 Peter 5:12 Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. 1 John 2:26 I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, Matthew 5:41 and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, 2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you. 2 Corinthians 2:3 I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy. Galatians 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. Philippians 2:24 And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon. Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you. Romans 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Treasury of Scripture Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say. 2 Corinthians 2:3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Jump to Previous Confidence Confident Desire Full Meet Obedience Wilt Wishes Write Writing Written WroteJump to Next Confidence Confident Desire Full Meet Obedience Wilt Wishes Write Writing Written WrotePhilemon 1 1. Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, 8. whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again. Confident of your obedience, Paul trusts that Philemon will receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ and respond freely to the appeal. Their shared faith has reshaped the relationship between master and servant, placing forgiveness and Christian love above social custom. 2Th 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord that you… I write to you, Though Paul writes with apostolic authority, he appeals personally rather than commanding Philemon. The letter addresses a private situation, yet its treatment of reconciliation reflects the order and unity expected within the church. 1Pe 5:12 Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother,… knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Paul expects Philemon’s response to extend beyond receiving Onesimus without punishment. Philemon may also release him for service in the gospel or provide for him generously, demonstrating the grace that believers have received from Christ. Eph 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all… Persons / Places / Events 1. PhilemonA Christian leader in Colossae, to whom Paul writes this personal letter. He is a man of faith and love, known for his hospitality and support of the church. 2. Paul The apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. He writes from prison, appealing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. 3. Onesimus A former slave of Philemon who has become a Christian and is now considered a brother in Christ by Paul. 4. Colossae The city where Philemon resides and where the church meets in his home. 5. The Church The body of believers who meet in Philemon's house, representing the early Christian community. Teaching Points Confidence in ObediencePaul expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience, which reflects a deep trust and understanding of Philemon's character. This teaches us the importance of building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. Going Beyond Expectations Paul not only expects Philemon to forgive Onesimus but also to do more than what is asked. This challenges us to exceed expectations in our acts of love and forgiveness. The Power of Christian Brotherhood The transformation of Onesimus from a slave to a brother in Christ illustrates the radical change that faith can bring. It encourages us to view others through the lens of their identity in Christ. The Role of Encouragement Paul's letter is filled with encouragement, showing us the importance of uplifting others in their spiritual journey. Faith in Action The letter to Philemon is a practical demonstration of living out one's faith through actions, particularly in the context of relationships and reconciliation. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Philemon 1:21?2. How does Philemon 1:21 encourage trust in spiritual leadership and accountability? 3. What does "knowing that you will do even more" reveal about Christian obedience? 4. How can Philemon 1:21 inspire us to exceed expectations in serving others? 5. Which other scriptures emphasize going beyond what is asked in Christian service? 6. How can we apply Philemon 1:21 in our daily interactions with fellow believers? 7. How does Philemon 1:21 demonstrate the power of Christian forgiveness and reconciliation? 8. What does Philemon 1:21 reveal about Paul's confidence in Philemon's obedience? 9. How does Philemon 1:21 challenge our understanding of Christian leadership and authority? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1? Philemon 1:21-25 contain the conclusion of the Epistle--hope to visit Philemon soon, salutation, and blessing. (21) Confidence in thy obedience.--It is curious to notice how, in this conclusion, St. Paul seems to glide, as it were insensibly, out of the tone of entreaty as to an equal, into the authority of a superior. The word "obedience" is found in 2Corinthians 7:15, there in connection with "fear and trembling." He preferred to appeal to Philemon's love; he knew that in any case he could rely on his deference. Do more than I say.--This can hardly refer to anything except the manumission of Onesimus, and possibly his being sent back again to St. Paul. Exactly in this way Christianity was to work out the release of the slave--not by command, but by free and natural inference from its emphatic declaration of his true brotherhood in Christ. (22) A lodging.--The word often signifies "hospitality" generally, which Philemon might naturally offer in his own house, but which St. Paul would not suggest or ask. I shall be given unto you.--Literally, as a favour from supreme authority. Comp. the technical and forensic use of the word in Acts 3:14; Acts 25:11 : for good in one case, in the other for evil. If he was so "granted," it would be by Caesar instrumentally, by God's overruling will ultimately. The passage, like Philippians 2:24, but even more definitely, expresses St. Paul's expectation of a release which might enable him to visit the East again. It is curious that there is no similar allusion in the Colossian Epistle, sent with this. . . . Verse 21. - I wrote unto thee; write (Revised Version; see Ver. 19), or perhaps referring back, as in Ver. 19, to the request in Ver. 17. The strong, fervid, and repeated appeals of the apostle had not been caused by distrust of Philemon, nor of their own efficacy, but were the natural outcome of the strong interest he felt in the case of Onesimus, and the desire he felt to replace him in the favor of his master; partly also, perhaps, to the warmth and fervor of his natural character, which uttered itself involuntarily in forcible expressions. Paul, certain God’s Word produces real obedience, writes confidently to Philemon, persuaded that Spirit-wrought love will move him past the apostle’s basic request. The verse showcases trusting fellowship, the power of written Scripture, and the expectation that believers, motivated by Christ’s grace, gladly go beyond what is asked.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Confident ofΠεποιθὼς (Pepoithōs) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. obedience, ὑπακοῇ (hypakoē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 5218: Obedience, submissiveness, compliance. From hupakouo; attentive hearkening, i.e. compliance or submission. I write ἔγραψά (egrapsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1125: A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. to you, σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. knowing εἰδὼς (eidōs) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. you will do ποιήσεις (poiēseis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. more ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. than ἃ (ha) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. I ask. λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. Additonal Resources Philemon 1:21 Blue Letter BiblePhilemon 1:21 Bible Gateway Philemon 1:21 Bible.com Philemon 1:21 NIV |
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