Philemon 1:13

I would Lit., "I was wishing" ;the imperfect indicates a half-purpose, stopped by other considerations. Lightfoot compares for similar imperfects Romans 9:3; Galatians 4:20.

me Lit., myself.

in thy stead On thy behalf; as thy representative, substitute, agent. He assumes the loving Philemon's personal devotion.

ministered as personal attendant; the habitual reference of the verb. Cp. e.g. Matthew 4:11; Matthew 8:15; Luke 17:8; Luke 22:26; Joh 12:2; 2 Timothy 1:18.

of the gospel "For the hope of Israel," and of the world, "he was bound with this chain" (Acts 28:20). Cp. Philippians 1:13.

On the word "Gospel" see note on Colossians 1:5.