Philemon 1:22

To make him more anxious and obedient, it is indicated that he will come; for those who are absent are usually despised. And the reason why the Apostle does not consider himself unworthy to be here yet, who has always suffered weariness and dangers, murders, persecutions, and chains, and whose rest was only in Christ alone? But for the progress of the believers, and to confound the enemies of the cross of Christ, he offered his own flesh to sufferings, in order to obtain crowns of immortality for his soul and body.

"prepare a lodging for me". Paul says that he did not write only because of Onesimus (for Philemon would have said, if not for himself, that I was not worthy of even a word), but also for this reason, he says, that you might "prepare a lodging for me". And Philemon was even afraid that if he did not receive Onesimus, the Apostle would come and it would be known that he had been disobedient. "for I hope that through your prayers". Great indeed is the power of prayers, and great also is the humility of Paul, because he was in need of those prayers.

"But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you." This also was the part of one who was exceedingly confident-or rather this too was in behalf of Onesimus, that not being indifferent, but knowing that he upon his return would know the things relating to him, they might lay aside all remembrance of the wrong, and might the rather grant the favor. For great was the influence and the honor of Paul residing among them, of Paul in his age, of Paul after imprisonment. Again, it is a proof of their love that he says that they pray; and to attribute to them so much as that they pray for "him." For although I be now in danger, yet nevertheless you will see me if ye pray for it.