Philemon 1:10

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

I beseech {G3870} thee {G4571} for {G4012} my {G1699} son {G5043} Onesimus {G3682}, whom {G3739} I have begotten {G1080} in {G1722} my {G3450} bonds {G1199}:

My request to you concerns my son, of whom I became the father while here in prison, Onesimus.

I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.

I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,

In Philemon 1:10, the Apostle Paul makes a deeply personal appeal concerning a man named Onesimus. This verse introduces Onesimus as Paul’s "son," a powerful metaphor indicating a spiritual relationship forged during Paul's difficult circumstances.

Context

The book of Philemon is a short, intensely personal letter written by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment, as alluded to by the phrase "in my bonds." Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, writes to Philemon, a wealthy Christian leader in Colossae and a close friend. The subject of the letter is Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, who had evidently stolen from him (Philemon 1:18) and fled to Rome, where Paul was imprisoned. Through Paul's ministry, Onesimus encountered the Gospel and underwent a profound conversion, becoming a faithful believer. This verse marks Paul's tender introduction of Onesimus to Philemon, setting the stage for his plea for reconciliation and forgiveness.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Fatherhood and Discipleship: Paul refers to Onesimus as "my son," signifying the deep bond of spiritual mentorship and new life in Christ. This highlights Paul's role in Onesimus's conversion and spiritual growth, akin to how he viewed the Corinthians as his spiritual children in 1 Corinthians 4:15.
  • Transformation and Redemption: The verse implicitly speaks to the radical change in Onesimus's life. Once a runaway and possibly a thief, he is now a beloved brother in Christ, a testament to the Gospel's power to redeem and transform individuals regardless of their past or social status. Paul further elaborates on this transformation in Philemon 1:11.
  • God's Sovereignty in Adversity: The phrase "in my bonds" underscores that Onesimus's conversion happened while Paul was imprisoned. This demonstrates how God can use even confining and challenging circumstances to further His kingdom and bring about spiritual birth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whom I have begotten in my bonds" uses the Greek word gennaō (γεννάω), which literally means "to beget" or "to give birth to." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe a spiritual birth. Paul was instrumental in leading Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ, effectively becoming his spiritual father. The addition of "in my bonds" (ἐν τοῖς δεσμοῖς μου, en tois desmois mou) emphasizes the unique circumstances of this spiritual birth – it occurred while Paul was a prisoner, highlighting that the Gospel's power is not limited by physical confinement or adverse conditions.

Practical Application

Philemon 1:10 offers several timeless applications:

  • The Power of the Gospel: It reminds us that the Gospel can radically transform anyone, regardless of their background, past mistakes, or social standing. Onesimus, a runaway slave, became a valuable brother in Christ.
  • Importance of Spiritual Mentorship: Paul's relationship with Onesimus exemplifies the importance of discipleship and spiritual parenting within the Christian community. We are called to invest in others' spiritual growth.
  • God's Work Amidst Hardship: The verse encourages believers to trust that God can work powerfully even through personal suffering or difficult circumstances. Paul's imprisonment did not hinder the spread of the Gospel or the spiritual birth of new believers.
  • Christian Brotherhood Transcends Barriers: The new relationship between Paul and Onesimus, and the appeal to Philemon, foreshadows the radical equality and unity found in Christ, where distinctions like "slave nor free" are transcended by spiritual kinship (Colossians 3:11).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 4:9

    With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is [one] of you. They shall make known unto you all things which [are done] here.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:15

    For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

  • 1 Timothy 1:2

    Unto Timothy, [my] own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • Galatians 4:19

    ¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

  • 2 Samuel 19:37

    Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, [and be buried] by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

  • 2 Samuel 19:38

    And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, [that] will I do for thee.

  • Titus 1:4

    To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

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