I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
The appeal belongs to Paul's time as a prisoner in Rome, where his sufferings in bonds only endeared him more to the Christians in Italy who had eagerly awaited his visit since receiving his letter. Its plea concerning master and servant is set against a Roman society where slavery was widespread and often enforced through extreme cruelty. Onesimus was a pagan slave of Philemon, a Christian believer in Colosse, whom he had wronged and robbed and then fled from to Rome, where he was poor, distressed and wretched. In Rome Paul relieved Onesimus in his poverty and distress, taught him the truth, and Onesimus listened to the message of life, confessed his sins, and was converted to faith in Christ.
The description of Onesimus as a son begotten in bonds means Paul had become his spiritual father by leading him to conversion while Paul was imprisoned. In making the appeal Paul chooses entreaty rather than urging duty, presenting himself as aged and as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. The conversion changed Onesimus from unprofitable to useful. After conversion Onesimus was pious and sincere, tenderly cared for Paul's comfort, was zealous in promoting the gospel, and showed traits of character fitting him to be a useful helper in missionary labor.
On that basis Paul appeals for Philemon to receive the repentant Onesimus with affection as a child, not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother, with such affection that Onesimus would choose to dwell with his former master. Paul desires to retain Onesimus to minister to him in his bonds in Philemon's place, yet only if Philemon of his own accord sets him free, leaving the decision to free him voluntarily with Philemon. The genuineness of the conversion was proved by obedience under a severe test, when Onesimus returned without delay to beg forgiveness and plan for the future and delivered himself up to the master he had wronged, sent back with Tychicus, with Paul holding himself responsible to repay what had been stolen.
The appeal belongs to Paul's time as a prisoner in Rome, where his sufferings in bonds only endeared him more to the Christians in Italy who had eagerly awaited his visit since receiving his letter. Its plea concerning master and servant is set against a Roman society where slavery was widespread and often enforced through extreme cruelty. Onesimus was a pagan slave of Philemon, a Christian believer in Colosse, whom he had wronged and robbed and then fled from to Rome, where he was poor, distressed and wretched. In Rome Paul relieved Onesimus in his poverty and distress, taught him the truth, and Onesimus listened to the message of life, confessed his sins, and was converted to faith in Christ.
The description of Onesimus as a son begotten in bonds means Paul had become his spiritual father by leading him to conversion while Paul was imprisoned. In making the appeal Paul chooses entreaty rather than urging duty, presenting himself as aged and as a prisoner of Jesus Christ. The conversion changed Onesimus from unprofitable to useful. After conversion Onesimus was pious and sincere, tenderly cared for Paul's comfort, was zealous in promoting the gospel, and showed traits of character fitting him to be a useful helper in missionary labor.
On that basis Paul appeals for Philemon to receive the repentant Onesimus with affection as a child, not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother, with such affection that Onesimus would choose to dwell with his former master. Paul desires to retain Onesimus to minister to him in his bonds in Philemon's place, yet only if Philemon of his own accord sets him free, leaving the decision to free him voluntarily with Philemon. The genuineness of the conversion was proved by obedience under a severe test, when Onesimus returned without delay to beg forgiveness and plan for the future and delivered himself up to the master he had wronged, sent back with Tychicus, with Paul holding himself responsible to repay what had been stolen.