Philemon 1:10-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:10

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 commentators conclude, from Colossians 4:9 , that Onesimus was a native of Colossae, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:11

Who was aforetime unprofitable … to me. The play upon words seems unmistakable, and is peculiarly Pauline. Onesimus means "useful," or "profitable;" ἄχρηστος , "unprofitable," and εὔχρηστος is emphatic, "very profitable." "Useful he is named, but in time past he was (I confess it) not useful, but useless; in future, however, he will be of great use to us both." Compare with this the corresponding passage of Pliny's 'Letter to Sabinianus,' given in the Introduction. "Unprofitable"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:11

Ungodly men are unprofitable to themselves and to others. I. IS SIN , THEN , PROFITABLE TO THE SINNER ? Whether the pleasures of sense or the possessions and honors of the world have prompted him to sin, it will be found that they alike issue in vanity and vexation. Should the desires not be satisfied, then the discontented appetite thirsts for more, and renders the man unhappy. If it be satisfied, yet it is a satisfaction of weariness, not contentment ( Romans 6:21 ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus - That is, my son in the gospel; one to whom I sustain the relation of a spiritual father; compare the notes at 1 Timothy 1:2. The address and tact of Paul here are worthy of particular observation. Any other mode of bringing the case before the mind of Philemon might have repelled him. If he had simply said, “I beseech thee for Onesimus;” or, “I beseech thee for thy servant Onesimus,” he would at once have reverted to his former conduct, and remembered all... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philemon 1:11

Which in time past was to thee unprofitable - Either because he was indolent; because he had wronged him (compare the notes at Philemon 1:18), or because he had run away from him. It is possible that there may be an allusion here to the meaning of the name “Onesimus,” which denotes “profitable” (from ὀνίνημι oninēmi, future ὀνήσω onēsō, to be useful, to be profitable, to help), and that Paul means to say that he had hitherto not well answered to the meaning of his own name, but that now... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philemon 1:10-14

Philemon 1:10-14. I beseech thee There is a beautiful emphasis in the repetition of these words, which he had introduced in the preceding verse; for my son The son of my age. The order of the original words is this; 1 entreat thee for a son of mine, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus On this Macknight remarks as follows: “Onesimus’s name at the end of the sentence has a fine effect, by keeping the reader in suspense. This every person of taste must perceive. The apostle would... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:1-21

CONTENTS OF THE LETTERPaul greets Philemon, his wife Apphia, and the other believers who meet in their home. He also greets Archippus, who was possibly their son and who was serving God in that region (1-3; cf. Colossians 4:17). Paul rejoices because of what he has heard (probably from Epaphras and Onesimus; cf. Colossians 1:7-8; Colossians 4:9,Colossians 4:12) of Philemon’s strong faith in God and sincere love for God’s people. This faith and love have been a source of strength and... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philemon 1:10

for . App-104 . son . App-108 . have begotten = begat. Compare Philippians 1:1 , Philippians 1:12 , Philippians 1:13 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philemon 1:11

unprofitable = not useful. Greek. achrestos. Only here. Figure of speech Meiosis . App-6 . profitable . Greek. euchrestos . See 2 Timothy 2:21 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,See introduction for background material on Onesimus. Many conjectures have been made as to how he came in contact with Paul, but all of them are mere guesses. It should be remembered who Onesimus was. He was a runaway slave, and the heartless Roman law demanded the most awesome penalties. "For the smallest offense he might be scourged, mutilated, crucified or thrown to the wild beasts."[23] But Philemon was a Christian.... read more

Group of Brands