Philemon 1:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.

NIV: that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

NASB: I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I fathered in my imprisonment,

CSB: appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains.

NLT: I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.

KJV: I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

NKJV: I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,

Paul repeats the term used in verse 9, "appeal," regarding Onesimus. Paul prefers to make a request of Philemon, rather than commanding him. Paul refers to Onesimus as his own child, implying that Paul had led Onesimus to faith in Christ during his imprisonment. This took place sometime around AD 60—62 while Paul was living under house arrest in Rome.

During these two years of confinement, Paul lived in his own apartment and preached to both Jews and Gentiles who came to him (Acts 28:30–31). According to Acts 28:30, Paul was open to anyone who visited him. Onesimus likely knew of Paul prior to being converted. Epaphras had taken the gospel to Colossae, where Onesimus was a slave of Philemon, during Paul's three years of ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10; Colossians 1:7–8). Onesimus probably escaped to Rome because the massive city was the ideal place for a runaway slave to disappear. While there, it seems he visited Paul, heard the gospel, and accepted it.

Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.

Accessed 4/28/2024 7:56:25 PM