“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:”
I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment — Onesimus is Paul's teknon (child), spiritual offspring born through Paul's ministry while imprisoned. The relational reversal is poignant: Onesimus becomes kin to Paul precisely through estrangement from Philemon. The phrase father I have become (egenēthē) marks a second birth — from slavery and alienation to spiritual legitimacy. Paul's imprisonment becomes generative; his bonds produce new life in Onesimus.
Church Fathers on Philemon 1:10
As if he had said, I know indeed that I can effect it by commanding with much authority, from things which have already taken place. But because I am very solicitous about this matter, “I beseech you.” He shows both these things at once; that he has confidence in him, for he commands him; and that he is exceedingly concerned about the matter, wherefore he beseeches him. “Being such an one,” he says, “as Paul the aged.” Strange! How many things are here to shame him into…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!