
How to Motivate Without Commanding: Philemon 8–14, Part 4
From Look at the Book by Desiring God
May 19, 2026
About this episode
The episode discusses how Paul motivates Philemon to receive Onesimus without issuing a command, using personal reasons to strengthen his appeal.
Although Paul refuses to command Philemon, he strengthens his appeal with seven personal reasons why his dear friend should receive Onesimus like a brother.
Topics covered
- motivation
- appeal
- friendship
- Christianity
- letter
- forgiveness
Keywords
- motivation
- Philemon
- Onesimus
- Paul
- Christian appeal
- forgiveness
- brotherhood
More episodes of Look at the Book
- Fellow Workers Full of Grace for Philemon: Philemon 23–25, Part 2 · June 9, 2026
- Epaphras: Founder, Pastor, Prisoner, Greeter: Philemon 23–25, Part 1 · June 6, 2026
- Paul’s Paradoxical Way of Being Refreshed: Philemon 18–22 · June 2, 2026
- Can We Always Know the Purposes of Providence? Philemon 15–17, Part 3 · May 30, 2026
- How the New Testament Transformed Slavery: Philemon 15–17, Part 2 · May 26, 2026
- Receive Onesimus No Longer as a Slave but as a Brother: Philemon 15–17, Part 1 · May 23, 2026
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