Philemon 1:14

But without your consent I was unwilling to do anything, so that your kindness to me might be of your own free will, and not of compulsion.

Montgomery New Testament

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

13I could wish to retain him at my side, so that he might minister to me in your stead, in my bonds for the gospel.

15Perhaps for this reason you were separated from him for an hour, in order that you might have him back forever,

Read all of Philemon 1

Cross References

1 Corinthians 9:7What soldier ever serves at his own expense? What farmer ever plants a vineyard and his flock and does not taste the milk?

2 Corinthians 1:24(not that I am attempting to lord it over your faith, but rather to work with you for your happiness); for your faith is stedfast.

2 Corinthians 9:5So I have thought that I must ask these brothers to visit you beforehand, and get your promised contribution ready in advance. I want it to be given of your bounty, not extorted from your covetousness.

Philemon 1:8And so, although I might be bold in Christ to dictate to you what is fitting,

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Philemon 1:14