A. A Commendation of Onesimus (vv.8-14)

Paul uses personal influence but refrains from the exercise of apostolic authority. Rather, he appeals to Philemon on the basis of Christian love (v.8).

A special relationship had developed between Paul and Onesimus whom he affectionately calls “my son” (v.10). Philemon’s erstwhile slave, formerly . . . useless, had ministered to Paul in his chains and had proved himself true to his name, “useful” (v.11). Says the imprisoned apostle, “I would have liked to keep him with me. . . . But I did not want to do anything without your consent” (vv.13-14).