Bible Strands
Philemon 1:10
I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Philemon while physically confined in chains, making a direct request regarding Onesimus. The appeal occurs during Paul's imprisonment, positioning the letter within his current status as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
The words — παρακαλῶ (parakalō) literally means "I exhort" or "I appeal," framing the request as a formal urging. ἐγεννήσα (egennēsa) translates to "I have begotten," indicating Paul's role in bringing Onesimus to spiritual life during his incarceration.
The thread — Paul's request for Onesimus parallels his earlier mention of sending the same man in Colossians 4:9 and his claim of spiritual fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:15. The language of spiritual birth and labor reappears in Galatians 4:19.
Why it lands — The text requires Philemon to acknowledge Onesimus as a converted person under Paul's spiritual care rather than treating him solely as property. It demands a response grounded in love that aligns with Paul's authority as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Cross-references
- Colossians 4:9 With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
- Galatians 4:19 My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
- 1 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
- 2 Samuel 19:37 Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the tomb of my father and mother. But here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”
- 2 Samuel 9:1 Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”
- 2 Samuel 18:5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.
- Mark 9:17 Someone in the crowd replied, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a spirit that makes him mute.