Philemon 1:13

ἐγὼ : a further emphatic mode of expression. ἐβουλόμην : βούλεσθαι connotes the idea of purpose, θέλειν simply that of willing. The differences between the tenses ἐβουλόμην and ἐθέλησα (Philemon 1:14) is significant; “the imperfect implies a tentative, inchoate process; while the aorist describes a definite complete act. The will stepped in and put an end to the inclinations of the mind” (Lightfoot). κατέχειν : “to detain,” directly opposed to ἀπέχῃς in Philemon 1:15. Deissmann (Op cit., p. 222) points out that κατέχω is often used in papyri and on ostraka of binding, though in a magical sense. ὑπὲρ σοῦ : “in thy stead,” the implication being that Philemon is placed under an obligation to his slave; for the force of ὑπὲρ as illustrated on the papyri, etc., see Deissmann's important remarks on pp. 105, 241 ff. of his work already quoted. διακονῇ : used in the Pauline Epistles both of Christian ministration generally (Romans 11:13; 1 Corinthians 12:5; Ephesians 4:12) and in special reference to bodily wants, such as alms can supply (1 Corinthians 16:15; 2 Corinthians 8:4). ἐν τοῖς δεσμ. τοῦ εὐαγγ.: i.e., the bonds which the Gospel had tied, and which necessitated his being ministered unto. τοῦ εὐαγγελίου : see Mark 1:14-15 and cf. Matthew 4:23; Christ uses the word often in reference to the Messianic Era. “The earliest instances of the use of εὐαγγέλιον in the sense of a book would be: Did. 8, 11, 15 bis; Ign. Philad. 5, 8 (Sanday, Bampton Lectures, p. 319).