Philemon 1:9 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

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. For love's sake - mine to thee: in contrast to the "boldness" х parreesian (G3954)] which I forbear to use (Philemon 1:8). My "love" is reciprocal to "thy love" for which thou art so distinguished (Philemon 1:7). Being such an one - as thou knowest me to be; namely Paul (the founder of so many churches, an apostle of Christ, thy father in the faith) the aged (my age ought to secure thy respect for my request), and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ (the strongest claims I have on thee: if for no other reason, at least through commiseration gratify me). Lachmann better punctuates; a full stop at "I beseech thee." Connect, "being such an one ... I beseech thee for my son," etc. (Philemon 1:10.)