Philemon 1:10

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philemon 1:8-25

We have here, I. The main business of the epistle, which was to plead with Phlm. on behalf of Onesimus, that he would receive him and be reconciled to him. Many arguments Paul urges for this purpose, Phlm. 1:8-21. The 1st Argument is taken from what was before noted, and is carried in the illative wherefore: ?Seeing so much good is reported of thee and found in thee, especially thy love to all saints, now let me see it on a fresh and further occasion; refresh the bowels of Onesimus and mine... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philemon 1:8-17

1:8-17 I could well be bold in Christ to give you orders as to where your duty lies, but for love's sake I would rather put it in the form of a request, I, Paul, such as I am, an old man now, a prisoner of Christ. My request to you is for my child, whom I begat in my bonds--I mean Onesimus, who was once useless to you, but who is now useful to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, and that is the same as to send you a bit of my own heart. I could have wished to keep him beside myself,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus ,.... Now he comes to the request itself, and mentions by name the person on whose account he makes it, and whom he calls his son; not merely because of his affection to him, but because he really was his spiritual father; he had been the happy instrument of his conversion, and he was his son according to the common faith, or in a spiritual sense: hence it follows, whom I have begotten in my bonds : which is to be understood of a begetting again, or of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus - It is evident from this that Onesimus was converted by St. Paul while he was prisoner at Rome, and perhaps not long before he wrote this epistle. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philemon 1:10

Verse 10 10.I beseech thee for my son. Since less weight is commonly attached to those prayers which are not founded in some cause of just commendation, Paul shows that Onesimus is so closely related to him as to afford a good reason for supplicating in his behalf. Here it is of importance to consider how deep is his condescension, when he gives the name of “son” to a slave, and a runaway, and a thief. When he says that Onesimus has been begotten by him this must be understood to mean, that it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8-10

The religion of Christ a defense of social order, not a disturbing force. There have been religions which have been simply forces of destruction. Mohammedanism, when it was first preached, and even to this day, as far as its power extends, has the Koran in one hand and the scimitar in the other, and offers but the alternatives of conversion, slavery, or death. The actors in the French Revolution of 1789 strove to spread their new gospel of liberty, equality, and fraternity at the point of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:8-11

Appeal by entreaty rather than command. The apostle here enters on the main subject of his letter, and introduces it with a singular mixture of courtesy, affection, and authority. I. IT IS SOMETIMES WISE TO FOREGO THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY . "Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting, yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee." 1. Ministers possess authority . They are required to speak with authority. "Charge... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philemon 1:9-10

Love's motive-power. "For love's sake I rather beseech thee … for my son Onesimus." Onesimus was a slave—one who in past times had been, as was natural, unmoved by any inspiration to good service—and was "unprofitable." He had been begotten again through the ministry of Paul, and now that he sends him back, he tells Philemon that the new Divine life in him will make him faithful, earnest, and "profitable." I. TRUTH TRIUMPHS IN TIME . Slavery did not fall at once, nor was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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

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