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Paul's position as a prisoner reminded him of the grace given to him, and so he
beseeches for love's sake, laying authority aside.
"I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, Who was
aforetime unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me" (10, 11 R.V.).
Onesimus is called (12) "him, that is, mine own bowls". A connection between
`begetting' and `bowels' is observed in Gen. 15: 4:
"He that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir."
The Apostle looks upon himself as both a father (I Cor. 4: 14, 15) and a mother
(Gal. 4: 19) of those whom he considers his own children, begotten by means of the
Gospel. Onesimus, in particular, "was doubly dear to the Apostle, as being the child of
his sorrows" (Lightfoot), because begotten "in his bonds". The Apostle completely
identified himself with Onesimus:
"Receive him as myself" (17).
"If he oweth thee ought, put that on mine account . . . . . I will repay" (18, 19).
Paul also had a great confidence in "his child". In time past Onesimus had not lived
up to his name (Onesimus means profitable); now the grace of God had changed that--
"profitable to thee and to me". This confidence is exhibited in action:
"Whom I have sent back to thee in his own person" (12 R.V.).
Onesimus appears to have been accompanied in this journey by Tychicus (Col.iv.7-9)
but had he so desired, would no doubt have had opportunity to escape during the journey.
The preservation of this letter is evidence in favour of his having not done so, and also of
his acceptance by his master. Paul was confident in both matters (12, 21). The grace of
God can turn even a despised Phrygian slave into "a brother beloved" (16).