Philemon 1:14

But without your approval I would do nothing; so that your good works might not be forced, but done freely from your heart.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

In Context

13Though my desire was to keep him with me, to be my servant in the chains of the good news, in your place:

15For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;

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Cross References

1 Chronicles 29:17And I am conscious, my God, that you are the searcher of hearts, taking pleasure in righteousness. As for me, with an upright heart I have freely given all these things; and I have seen with joy your people who are here to make their offerings freely to you.

1 Corinthians 9:7Who ever goes to war without looking to someone to be responsible for his payment? who puts in vines and does not take the fruit of them? or who takes care of sheep without drinking of their milk?

2 Corinthians 1:24Not that we have authority over your faith, but we are helpers of your joy: for it is faith which is your support.

2 Corinthians 9:5So it seemed to me wise for the brothers to go before, and see that the amount which you had undertaken to give was ready, so that it might be a cause for praise, and not as if we were making profit out of you.

Philemon 1:8And so, though I might, in the name of Christ, give you orders to do what is right,

Matthew Henry on Philemon 1:9-25

The Apostle's Plea for Onesimus; Salutations. ( a. d. 62.) 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13… Read the whole commentary →

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