<p>1:8 <i>Thus although I have all boldness in Christ to command you to do what is required</i>- Because Philemon was &quot;in Christ&quot; he had to act as Christ; he actually <i>had to</i> receive his slave back as a brother and not punish him as many slave owners would. This was a command, an imperative arising from being &quot;in Christ&quot;. Paul could be bold about this- without doubt, Philemon should accept Onesimus back. Paul likewise opens his heart to the Corinthians, when he asks them if they want him to come to them with a rod, or with the spirit of meekness (1 Cor. 4:21). Paul is remarkably open hearted in his letters. He shares openly his internal questioning- whether to take a tough line, or to beg and implore in gentleness. Both would have been legitimate. And the &quot;rod&quot; or 'I command you, Philemon' would have been the approach he as a former legalist would have been more comfortable with. But he had now learned of Christ... to be different, and to take the gentler and more sensitive path.</p>