Philemon 1:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Yet for
G1223
διὰ
Yet for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπην
love's
G26
ἀγάπην
love's
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
3 of 16
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
παρακαλῶ
beseech
G3870
παρακαλῶ
beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
5 of 16
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
τοιοῦτος
such an one
G5108
τοιοῦτος
such an one
Strong's:
G5108
Word #:
6 of 16
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
8 of 16
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
9 of 16
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ephesians 4:1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
Historical Context
Ancient Mediterranean honored age; elderly commanded respect. Paul's imprisonment (chains, v. 10, 13) provided powerful rhetoric: from prison, he pleads for a runaway slave. The reversal is stunning—the prisoner intercedes for the criminal, the aged apostle for the young thief. This demonstrates gospel's upside-down values where weakness becomes persuasive power (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you appeal to others "for love's sake" or manipulate through guilt, shame, or power-plays?
- How does Paul's willingness to be vulnerable (aged, prisoner) model Christian persuasion versus worldly coercion?
- When should you exercise authority, and when should you appeal as Paul does—how do you discern?
Analysis & Commentary
Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee—διὰ τὴν ἀγάπην (dia tēn agapēn, because of love) μᾶλλον παρακαλῶ (mallon parakalō, rather I appeal/exhort). παρακαλέω (parakaleō, appeal/beseech/encourage) contrasts with ἐπιτάσσω (epitassō, command, v. 8). Paul could command but appeals—not manipulative false humility but profound theology. Gospel creates relationships where authority serves love, not vice versa. Love-based appeals honor the addressee's dignity, inviting willing cooperation rather than demanding grudging compliance.
Being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—τοιοῦτος ὢν ὡς Παῦλος πρεσβύτης (toioutos ōn hōs Paulos presbyterēs, being such as Paul an old man) καὶ νυνὶ καὶ δέσμιος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (kai nyni kai desmios Christou Iēsou, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus). πρεσβύτης (presbyterēs, old man/elder, possibly 60+ years) and δέσμιος (desmios, prisoner)—Paul's age and suffering lend moral weight. He doesn't command as superior but appeals as vulnerable elder-prisoner, exemplifying downward mobility of gospel.