8–22 · Paul’s Appeal: Although Paul is bold enough in Christ to command Philemon to do what he ought (v. 8), he appeals on the basis of love (v. 9). For Paul, the love believers share in Christ bonds them and solidifies Christ’s work of reconciliation on the cross (Col. 1:20–23; 3:11). In other words, this love breaks down social barriers and places all three individuals (Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus) on common ground in Christ. Paul, moreover, in his appeal to Philemon, refers to himself as an “old [or elderly] man” and as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus” (v. 9), two descriptors that would elicit compassion and respect from Philemon and the members of the church.

Paul then explains that his request to Philemon is for Paul’s “son,” Onesimus, whom Paul “fathered” (i.e., converted to Christ) w…