Philemon 1:10

Modern

I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.

Traditional

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Literal

I exhort you concerning my child whom I begot in chains, Onesimus,

Latin

…obsecro te pro meo filio, quem genui in vinculis, Onesimo,

Greek

English

I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains.

In the Roman world, owners could be harsh towards slaves who ran away. They could whip, mark, or even execute them.
Onesimus was Paul's spiritual child because he became a Christian through Paul's ministry.

Theme notes and profiles

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.
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.
Galatians 4:19
My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
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 19:37–38
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 9:1–7
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.

Onesimus: Runaway slave, convert of Paul