Saint Chrysostom says: “This also was a testimony that he completely relies on him. Or rather, this also was for the benefit of Onesimus, so that they might not be careless. Knowing that Paul would come and learn everything concerning him, they would put away all remembrance of wrongs and more quickly show him mercy. For there was great reverence for Paul, Paul the elder, Paul the prisoner.”
The other interpreters also understand it so. Theodoret writes: “The Apostle did not say this simply, but so that, expecting his arrival, Philemon would respect his letter also.” “For,” Ambrosiaster adds, “it happens that little attention is paid to those who are absent. And little care is taken to do what pleases them.” Oecumenius, with blessed Theophylact, adds this: “It could have occurred to Philemon: if not for Onesimus, you would not have deemed me worthy of even a word. The Apostle heals this possible weakness in advance, saying: I write not only for him, but also to ask you to prepare me a lodging.” By this he showed him great honor, preferring him to all. For everyone would have eagerly competed to receive and give rest to Saint Paul.
“For I hope.” It is evident that, when writing this epistle, Saint Paul cherished hope that he would soon be freed from his bonds. Something in the course of events gave him this hope.
“Through your prayers.” He shows the power of the brotherly prayer of believers and its necessity for all without exception. He also bears witness to his humility. The Apostle, the Lord’s chosen one, a standard-bearer and wonderworker, caught up in prayer to the third heaven, nevertheless allows no self-reliance or self-confidence in himself. He humbly expects help from above through the prayers of others.
Blessed Theophylact writes: “We are taught two things from this. First, how great is the power of prayers, if even such an Apostle needs their help. Second, how much more must we humble ourselves, if Saint Paul humbles himself before his disciples, expecting help from their prayers.”
“I shall be granted unto you.” That is, I shall be freed from bonds and come to you. We shall see one another and enjoy our mutual faith and love. I hope that you will obtain this mercy from the Lord by prayer. These words show the Apostle’s confidence that they love him greatly and strongly desire to see him (Saint Chrysostom). He does not ask them to pray, but is confident that they are praying and are asking for themselves, as a great blessing, to see the Apostle.
“Unto you” means to Philemon’s whole household, and perhaps to the Colossians generally. For one cannot think that, intending to come to Colossae, he had in mind only Philemon and his family. He may not have mentioned this when writing to the Colossians because he wished especially to honor Philemon, leaving to him the honor of informing all the believers, who gathered for prayer in his house.
But how is this? From Rome the Apostle had wished to go to Spain, yet here he writes that he hopes, after his bonds, to visit Colossae. A little later he will also tell the Philippians that he hopes to come to them soon (Phil 2:24). Clearly he changed his intention. After the Epistle to the Romans had been written, with the third year then passing, needs arose in the Churches of Asia Minor that required Saint Paul’s personal presence, as the Epistle to the Colossians also shows. False teachers had appeared, troubling the peace of the believers’ faith. At that earlier time he had written that he no longer had work in those regions (Rom 15:23-24).
THEOSIS