Philemon 6-8
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
6 so that your partnership in the faith may become effective in recognizing every good there is in us[a] that leads to Christ.(A)
Plea for Onesimus. 7 For I have experienced much joy and encouragement[b] from your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother.(B) 8 Therefore, although I have the full right[c] in Christ to order you to do what is proper,
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- 6 In us: some good ancient manuscripts have in you (plural). That leads to Christ: leads to translates the Greek preposition eis, indicating direction or purpose.
- 7 Encouragement: the Greek word paraklēsis is cognate with the verb translated “urge” in Phlm 9, 10, and serves as an introduction to Paul’s plea. Hearts: literally, “bowels,” expressing in Semitic fashion the seat of the emotions, one’s “inmost self.” The same Greek word is used in Phlm 12 and again in Phlm 20, where it forms a literary inclusion marking off the body of the letter.
- 8 Full right: often translated “boldness,” the Greek word parrēsia connotes the full franchise of speech, as the right of a citizen to speak before the body politic, claimed by the Athenians as their privilege (Euripides).
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