Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
I—emphatical. I for my part. Since I had such implicit trust in him as to desire to keep him with me for his services, thou mayest.
I would have retained—different Greek from the "would," Philemon 1:14, "I could have wished," "I was minded" here; but "I was not willing," Philemon 1:14.
in thy stead—that he might supply in your place all the services to me which you, if you were here, would render in virtue of the love you bear to me (Philemon 1:19).
bonds of the gospel—my bonds endured for the Gospel's sake (Philemon 1:9).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Philemon 1:13:
1 Corinthians 7:21
1 Timothy 3:8
2 Timothy 1:8
Philemon 1:1
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