I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul strategically delays mentioning Onesimus's name until after he's framed him as his "own child," highlighting the deep, spiritual fatherhood he developed during his imprisonment. This careful wording disarms Philemon by presenting Onesimus not as a runaway slave, but as a beloved spiritual son transformed by God's grace, making the subsequent appeal far more potent.
I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to Philemon, a slave owner and fellow Christian, about Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus. In this part of the letter, Paul carefully introduces Onesimus, not as a thief or a runaway, but as his own spiritual son whom he led to Christ during his imprisonment. This intimate and personal connection is Paul's primary way of preparing Philemon to welcome Onesimus back, not just as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Why does Paul refer to Onesimus as his 'son'? It's more than just affection; it reveals a profound spiritual transformation and Paul's tender heart as a spiritual father.
Paul calls Onesimus 'my son' and 'my own child.' This isn't just a term of endearment; it signifies that Paul was the instrument through whom Onesimus came to faith in Christ.
A Spiritual Fatherhood
Paul, though a prisoner, became a spiritual father to Onesimus. He didn't just share the gospel; he nurtured Onesimus in faith during his imprisonment. This is a powerful picture of spiritual regeneration, where Paul, by God's grace, led Onesimus to a new spiritual life.
The Impact of Imprisonment
Paul's 'bonds' become the unexpected setting for this new spiritual birth. It highlights how God can work powerfully even in difficult circumstances, using His servants to bring life and hope to others, regardless of their past.
Onesimus was a runaway slave, a 'chattel' in the eyes of Roman law. How does Paul's appeal reframe Onesimus's identity?
The name 'Onesimus' itself meant 'useful' or 'profitable.' Ironically, he had fled from his master, Philemon, and was likely considered utterly unprofitable.
From Useless to Beloved
Roman law treated slaves as property, with no rights. A runaway slave faced severe punishment. Yet, Paul introduces Onesimus not as a fugitive, but as his spiritual 'son,' a term of deep affection and value.
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A New Identity in Christ
Paul’s appeal to Philemon is rooted in a radical re-evaluation of Onesimus. He is no longer just a runaway slave who wronged his master. He is now 'profitable,' not just to Paul through his service, but potentially to Philemon again, due to his transformation in Christ. His value is now defined by his new identity in God, not his past actions or social status.
Understand the original words
teknon · Greek Noun
A term of endearment and spiritual connection used by church leaders to describe someone they have led to Christ or discipled. It highlights the paternal relationship in the family of God.
Onēsimos · Greek Noun proper
A personal name meaning 'useful' or 'profitable.' It is used in the New Testament to refer to the runaway slave who was converted through Paul’s ministry.
This letter is a masterclass in persuasion, set against the backdrop of Roman slavery where a runaway slave could face severe punishment. Paul’s appeal hinges on Onesimus’s conversion, transforming him from a 'useless' runaway into a beloved 'son in the faith' and a valuable member of the Christian community.
c. AD 50-60
Onesimus flees Rome
Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon, flees from his master, likely due to theft or mistreatment, and travels to Rome.
c. AD 60-62
Paul imprisoned in Rome
The Apostle Paul is imprisoned in Rome, likely under house arrest, where he continues his ministry and writes letters.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Onesimus encounters Paul
Onesimus, while in Rome, meets the imprisoned Apostle Paul and is converted to Christianity through Paul's ministry.
c. AD 62
Paul writes the letter to Philemon
Paul writes the personal letter to Philemon, appealing for the forgiveness and acceptance of Onesimus, whom he now regards as a spiritual son.
c. AD 62
Onesimus returns to Philemon
Onesimus, accompanied by Tychicus, returns to his master Philemon in Colossae, carrying Paul's letter.
Paul refers to himself as the spiritual father who 'begot' believers in Christ through the Gospel, mirroring the intimate, parental language used for Onesimus here.
Galatians 4:19Paul expresses his intense spiritual labor and concern for the Galatian believers, referring to them as 'little children' for whom he is in labor pains until Christ is formed in them, reflecting his deep paternal affection for Onesimus.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ, where believers become 'new creations' and reconciliation is facilitated through ministers like Paul, underscoring the profound change Onesimus experienced and Paul's role in it.
Colossians 4:9Mentioned alongside Onesimus, this verse shows he was a fellow believer and likely from Colossae, further contextualizing his relationship with Paul and the letter's recipients.
bengelPhilemon 1:10: "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:"
Philemon 1:10 . Παρακαλῶ , I beseech ) This word is repeated with great force, as if after a parenthesis.— περὶ τοῦ ἐμοῦ τέκνου , concerning my son ) Besides other things, he puts first a favourable description of the person, having suspended the sense till he mentions the hated (offensive) name of Onesimus . And the whole epistle savours of the recent joy for Onesimus, who had been gained as a convert, and f…
pulpitPhilemon 1:10: "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:"
Verse 10. - I beseech thee for my son ... Onesimus; my child (Revised Version). The name of Onesimus could not have been a pleasing one in the ears of Philemon. Note with what caution and almost timidity it is at length introduced. He does not interpose for the ingrate with apostolic dignity, but pleads for him with fatherly love. He puts himself side by side with him, and calls him his son. Some of the old c…
Paul strategically delays mentioning Onesimus's name until after he's framed him as his "own child," highlighting the deep, spiritual fatherhood he developed during his imprisonment. This careful wording disarms Philemon by presenting Onesimus not as a runaway slave, but as a beloved spiritual son transformed by God's grace, making the subsequent appeal far more potent.
Paul is writing to Philemon, a slave owner and fellow Christian, about Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus. In this part of the letter, Paul carefully introduces Onesimus, not as a thief or a runaway, but as his own spiritual son whom he led to Christ during his imprisonment. This intimate and personal connection is Paul's primary way of preparing Philemon to welcome Onesimus back, not just as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Paul is writing to Philemon, a slave owner and fellow Christian, about Philemon's runaway slave, Onesimus. In this part of the letter, Paul carefully introduces Onesimus, not as a thief or a runaway, but as his own spiritual son whom he led to Christ during his imprisonment. This intimate and personal connection is Paul's primary way of preparing Philemon to welcome Onesimus back, not just as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
"I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment." — Paul strategically delays mentioning Onesimus's name until after he's framed him as his "own child," highlighting the deep, spiritual fatherhood he developed during his imprisonment. This careful wor…
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Last reviewed October 2026