As an apostle, Paul had the authority to command Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in the Lord. He could command him to show hospitality and look after him. However, instead of a command Paul makes an appeal, a request that rests on an emotional connection in the sphere of an existing personal relationship.1
8 C'est pourquoi, bien que j'aie en Christ toute liberté de te prescrire ce qui est convenable,