1:6,7
We should note how different Paul’s prayers are from the way we often pray. Most of his prayers for people are related to their growth in Christ, and their bringing honour to Christ. So here Paul prays that Philemon’s partnership with Paul and his co-workers may be effective and his understanding deepened “for the sake of Christ”. The situation with Onesimus would be an opportunity for Philemon to both be more fruitful, and to better appreciate his understanding of the gospel. While praying for more, Paul also expresses his great appreciation for what is already evident in Philemon’s life.
1:8,9
As an apostle Paul would be within his rights to tell Philemon what to do, or at least tell him what he ought to do. Instead Paul appeals on the basis of love. In the famous chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians Paul says that without love we are nothing. So he appeals to Philemon on the basis of love. This would be the relationship between himself and Philemon, and also out of love for Onesimus. Remember that in 1 Corinthians 13 it talks about not keeping a record of wrongs, and always hoping for the best. Paul will appeal to Philemon to put these things into practice in the current situation.
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