Desiring God · How to Motivate Without Commanding: Philemon 8–14, Part 4

1. 1. Paul prefers to appeal to Philemon for love's sake rather than command him, to ensure Philemon's goodness is voluntary and authentic.
2. 2. Paul identifies himself as an old man and a prisoner to evoke sympathy and respect, appealing to Philemon's heart rather than asserting authority.
3. 3. Paul calls Onesimus his child, having led him to Christ in prison, creating a deep fatherly bond that makes sending him back a personal sacrifice.
4. 4. Paul uses a play on Onesimus's name, meaning 'useful,' to highlight his transformation from useless to useful, both to Philemon and to Paul.
5. 5. Paul expresses his wish to keep Onesimus to serve him on Philemon's behalf, but refrains from doing so without Philemon's consent.
6. 6. Paul hints that if Philemon consents to receive Onesimus as a brother, he might then send him back to Paul as an emissary to assist in his imprisonment.
7. 7. The seven incentives collectively aim to motivate Philemon to act of his own accord, ensuring his love and goodness are authentic rather than compelled.