Bible Strands
Philemon 1:13
I would have liked to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Philemon while imprisoned for the gospel, immediately after announcing the return of Onesimus. He addresses the letter at the moment of dispatch, when the slave has just been converted and is being sent back to his master.
The words — The verb ἐβουλὴμην (eboulomēn) literally means "was wishing," and the phrase πρὸς ἐμαυτὸν κατέχειν (pros emauton katechein) translates to "to keep with myself." These terms establish the statement as a personal preference rather than an apostolic command.
The thread — The pattern of delegated ministry during imprisonment runs through Ephesians 3:1, Philippians 1:7, and 1 Corinthians 16:17. These passages record Paul relying on others to supply his physical needs while he remains bound for the gospel.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that voluntary service carries more weight than compelled duty. It asks Philemon to decide freely whether to release Onesimus back to Paul, recognizing that spiritual goodwill cannot be manufactured by obligation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Cross-references
- Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
- Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
- 1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
- Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
- Philippians 2:30 because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
- Philemon 1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,