Seal of Approval

Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper,  Philemon 1:8  NASB

Confidence – If we only had this sentence, we would think that Paul is acting like the Pope.  Of course, the next sentence makes it clear that he isn’t issuing a papal bull, but we haven’t investigated that next sentence yet, so today we will have to ask why Paul even mentions his right to instruct Philemon about what needs to be done.  We will discover that there is a debt to be paid, but Paul’s instructions come with a bit more than an IOU.  Paul starts by claiming that if he wanted to he could simply issue a command, and because of his spiritual authority, Philemon would be obligated to obey.  The word Paul uses to make this clear is the Greek parrhesia.  It actually isn’t about confidence.  It’s a political term.  “It signifies a. the right to say anything, b. an openness to truth, and c. candor.”^[1]  In other words, Paul is suggesting that if he were to speak frankly, he is in a position of authority over Philemon.  We can consider this an indication of Paul’s openness.  He isn’t shy about speaking his mind, even on sensitive issues.  Of course, he tempers this with loving concern when it comes to brothers in the faith, but as we recall from his confrontation with Peter, Paul has an abrasive side as well.  When he feels he’s right, he holds nothing back.

What’s amazing about this statement is the claim that he has spiritual rank over Philemon.  Why is this surprising?  Isn’t Paul that one who wrote “there is neither rich nor poor, slave or free, Jew or Gentile” in the kingdom?  Apparently the opposing pair, ruler and subject, doesn’t apply.  Paul sounds like one of contemporary elevated clergy who believes that he is called to instruct others and has the divine prerogative to tell them what is right and what is wrong.  Sort of like Moses.  One must wonder who put him in charge.  It’s a question Philemon must have entertained.  Even if all the other reasons (soon to be revealed in the following verses) are true, this sounds like a rather arrogant claim from a man who spoke of his humility and unworthiness.

But perhaps we’re being too harsh.  After all, Paul does have some justification for his claim.  He is the “senior” leader of this assembly, even if in absentia.  And he does have a divine commission.  Perhaps all Paul is really doing is preparing the ground for his stake in the life of Onesimus.  He wants to be sure that Philemon won’t refuse to follow his advice and so he paints the picture of authority—only to not use it.  He could if he wanted to, but he takes a different path, one more like the humble Paul we see so often.  Perhaps this verse is just a subtle reminder that he could have insisted, but he doesn’t.

What can we learn here?  Authority, even if justifiable, isn’t always the best means to achieve a goal, especially when ethical issues are at stake.  Telling someone what to do doesn’t have the same permanence as allowing someone the opportunity to choose.  Empathy trumps insistence.

Topical Index: confidence, authority, demand, Philemon 1:8

^[1] Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1985). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume (p. 794). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.