Philemon 1:22

22. But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.

a.

Paul clinches his written appeal by the announcement that he expected to be visiting Philemon sometime soon. If by some chance Philemon had not complied with Paul's written request, he could expect to face kindly old Paul with this disobedience standing as a barrier between them. Such an meeting could not avoid being an emotional experience even if Philemon had been obedient. Should Philemon have been disobedient it would be nearly an unbearable experience.

b.

Paul asked Philemon to prepare a guest room for him at the same time (Gr. ama) he was giving Onesimus his brotherly reception.

c.

Paul was, of course, still in detention in Rome when he wrote that he hoped to visit Philemon. To hasten his release Paul wrote that he expected Philemon to be praying for him.

This request for prayer sharpens Paul's appeal. How could Philemon be praying for Paul's release, so that Paul could the more quickly visit him, when he was at the same time not doing that which Paul had so fervently requested him to do?

d.

Paul hoped to be granted (A.V. given) to Philemon and to the other brethren in Colossae (the you is plural). The word grant used here means to give graciously, give as a gift, give as a favor. And notice the passive voice. Paul speaks of himself as being acted upon. God was working things out so that Paul would be granted to visit Philemon, and this is regarded as a favor bestowed upon Philemon.

This manner of speaking might make us feel that Paul was a bit conceited in looking upon his presence as a gift to those who entertained him. But there was no conceit or vanity there. The Colossians were genuinely in Paul's debt. (Philemon 1:19). Paul's visit to them would be God's doing, not his own.