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Philemon – Proper
V.8 – Proper
One version translates “aneko” (proper) “convenient.” In today’s English, this completely changes the meaning because that same version has Felix say concerning hearing Paul preach, “when I have a convenient (kairos) season (Acts 24:25). What is “convenient” as used in today’s English is not what Paul is seeking, but rather what is proper and befitting ‑ that which is demanded by the principles of Christianity; even if those principles such as the Golden Rule and loving your neighbor as yourself, are not fully understood and applied. Paul is asking for that which a mature Christian would desire. When Paul asks Philemon “to do that which is proper,” he is setting up his request. Paul gains the psychological edge because Philemon, though unaware of the request, will want to “do that which is proper” for his beloved brother and friend, Paul. As we find later, this is directly tied to forgiving Onesimus (v.16) and indirectly to freeing him (vv.13,21).
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