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I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love: Paul has already mentioned that Philemon’s love for Christ and for his fellow Christians was well-known. (Phm 5, 7) The apostle trusted that such love would move Philemon to choose the kindest course of action. (Phm 21) But Paul knew that he could not force Philemon to show love. As one reference work notes regarding this verse, “love may be invited, but not compelled.”

an older man: Paul may have been in his 50’s or 60’s when he wrote this letter. According to some sources, the Greek word that Paul here uses could describe “a man of 50-56 years” of age. However, in the Greek Septuagint, the same term is used of Abraham and Eli when they were much older. (Ge 25:8; 1Sa 2:22; LXX) Therefore, Paul’s use of this word does not provide enough support to reveal how old he was when writing to Philemon. The general facts of his life are more helpful. He was converted to Christianity about 34 C.E. and wrote this letter to Philemon about 25 years later, in 60-61 C.E. At the time of his conversion, he was old enough to be known and trusted by the high priest. Some suggest that he was born about the same time as Jesus or shortly thereafter. The Greek word here used is rendered “an ambassador” in some Bible translations. But most scholars favor the rendering “an older man,” which is similar to how it is rendered at Lu 1:18 and Tit 2:2.​—Compare 2Co 5:20 and study note; Eph 6:20 and study note.

a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus: See study notes on Phm 1.