Philemon 1:10

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

a.

In this verse the great central burden of the letter is revealed: Paul is begging concerning Onesimus, the runaway slave.

In all probability Philemon sensed that the letter concerned Onesimus from the instant he saw it, even before he unrolled it. Onesimus himself had probably handed it to Philemon, or was standing nearby as Tychicus handed it over. See Colossians 4:7-9. The very circumstances under which a runaway slave might return were so rare that the return of the slave would in itself arouse the expectation of an explanation.

But even if Philemon had sensed that the letter concerned Onesimus, he could hardly have anticipated an appeal so tender, so spiritual, so moving.

b.

The name Onesimus is given last in the sentence, both in the Greek and in our version. Placing the name last produces an effective climax to the request.

c.

The fact that Onesimus was now Paul's child shows that Paul had won him to Christ during their contact at Rome. Onesimus had heard the story of Jesus, and was convinced. He had been begotten by the word of truth. James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23. He had been told that he must repent. He had been baptized, born of the water and the spirit. John 3:5. Probably one of Paul's helpers, Timothy or Tychicus or some other, had gone to a pool, or bath, or river to baptize him; Paul himself was confined to his house. See Acts 28:30. After his conversion Paul himself had told Onesimus that he was obligated to return to his master.

d.

The name Onesimus means Helpful. Up to this time Onesimus had hardly lived up to his name. However, if Onesimus afterwards obeyed Paul's instructions to slaves in Colossians 3:22-25, he certainly would have been helpful.

e.

A verb (oninemi) from the same root as the name Onesimus is used ín Philemon 1:20. It means to be useful, to profit, or help. Thus Paul makes a play on words, based on the name Onesimus.

f.

The fact that Onesimus was begotten (converted) while Paul was in bonds shows that we can win souls under any circumstances. 1 Corinthians 4:15.