In Greek this verse is concessive in force (“even though I could…”), which carries on into verse 9 (“instead, I ask you…”). This element is picked up and repeated in verse 10 (“I ask you…”). For greater ease of understanding, most translations break up into simpler sentences this complex sentence, which goes without a major break until the end of verse 12.
For this reason refers back to the contents of the preceding section (verses 4-7) and specifically to Philemon’s well-known love for his fellow Christians (verse 5, 7). A literal rendering of for this reason may not be sufficient to show the relationship between the body of the letter and the introductory section. Therefore, it may be advisable to mark the relationship somewhat explicitly, for example, “because of the way in which you love God’s people” or “… show concern for God’s people.”
I could be bold enough. The noun parrēsia means primarily “freedom in speech,” and by extension “boldness, confidence” in attitude. Here it clearly implies that Paul has the right, the authority, to command Philemon, but refrains from using it. Since Paul does not order Philemon to do what he should, it may be necessary to make this somewhat more explicit, for example, “I could be bold enough, but I will not be.” This may be combined effectively with the clause, to order you to do what should be done: “I could tell you with strong words what should be done, but I will not.”
As your brother in Christ translates the Greek en Christō. Here more than “as a Christian” seems to be implied; it appears to involve not just Paul’s own status as a Christian (so Goodspeed), but the relationship between him and Philemon. So Barclay “our relationship as Christians” (see Translator’s New Testament). Others take it in the sense, “although the right has been given me by Christ” (Bible en français courant Phillips); Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “as an apostle of Christ”; Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch has “by referring to Christ.” As your brother in Christ may be rendered “as one who also trusts in Christ,” or “as one who trusts in Christ even as you do,” or “as one who is a follower of Christ even as you are.”
To order translates epitassō, found only here in Paul’s letters; it implies a superiority in rank. A verb such as epitassō in the meaning of “to order” or “to command” must be rendered in a number of languages as a verb introducing direct discourse, for example, “to order you, ‘This is what you must do.’ ”
What should be done: for a similar use of the verb anēkō see Col 3.18. Paul does not spell out specifically what Philemon should do, but by indirection and implication he makes it clear enough. Philemon should receive Onesimus as a Christian brother and then set him free so that he can return to Paul to help him in his work (verse 13-14).
Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Philemon. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .