Philemon 1:21

πεποιθὼς τῇ ὑπακοῇ σου, “trusting to thy obedience.” There is no exact parallel in the N.T. to this use of πέποιθα, with the dative of the thing trusted; cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:4, for a similar assurance as to obedience. ὑπακοή is a little strange here, after the very tender and gentle way in which he has been speaking. It is probably due to the deep consciousness of right (cf. Philemon 1:8, note on πολλὴν κ.τ.λ.) that he had in making his request. Hence he felt that Philemon ought to “obey” it. Compare Chrysostom ὅπερ καὶ�, τοῦτο καὶ ἐνταῦθα εἰς τὸ ἐπισφραγίσαι τὴν ἐπιστολήν.

In 2 Cor. St Paul writes much as here, but with more connotation of personal authority, due to the circumstances of the case; so 2 Corinthians 7:15. But in 2 Corinthians 10:6 ὑπακοή is probably used in a wider sense. P. Ewald understands ὑπακοή in our passage to be not strictly “obedience” but merely “attention” (“im Vertrauen darauf, dass du ein offenes Ohr hast!”).

ἔγραψά σοι. Philemon 1:19, note.

εἰδὼς. Colossians 3:24, note.

ὅτι καὶ ὑπὲρ ἅ λέγω ποιήσεις. ὑπέρ Philemon 1:16, cf. also 1 Corinthians 4:6. St Paul is sure that Philemon (a) will do what he suggests, i.e. receive him back, and this as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16), and also (probably) into full partnership in Gospel privileges and duties (Philemon 1:17): (b) will do even more, the nature of this further kindness being purposely left undefined. It can hardly have been manumission (see note Philemon 1:16), but rather kindness shown in many details of act and feeling. In any case it cannot mean that St Paul hoped that Philemon would send Onesimus back to minister to him (Philemon 1:13), for he was expecting his release.