Philemon 1:10

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

I appeal to you on behalf of my son, Onesimus, whom I [spiritually] conceived while [here] in prison.

Cross References

Mark 9:17

And someone in the crowd answered Him, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who is dominated by a spirit which causes him to be a mute.

Romans 12:1

So, I urge you, brothers, because God is so merciful [to us], to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, [fully] dedicated and very pleasing to God. For this is a reasonable [or spiritual] way for you to worship [or serve] Him.

1 Corinthians 4:14

I am not writing this to shame you but to warn you, as my dearly loved children.

1 Corinthians 4:15

For although you have ten thousand guardians [Note: This word means someone who transported a child to his teacher] in [the fellowship of] Christ, you do not have many [spiritual] fathers. For I [spiritually] conceived you people through [preaching to you] the good news [about Christ]. [Note: Paul here refers to his work in establishing the church at Corinth].

Galatians 4:19

My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am again deeply pained [as a woman in childbirth] over your [spiritual] condition, until [the life of] Christ becomes formed in your character.

Colossians 4:9

[He is coming], together with Onesimus our faithful and dearly loved brother, who is one of you. [Note: This could mean either “from your town” or, “a fellow-Christian”]. They will tell you about everything that is happening here.

1 Timothy 1:2

[It is being sent] to Timothy, my true son in the faith [i.e., in the realm of Christianity, not in a physical sense]. May you have unearned favor, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Titus 1:4

[It is being sent] to Titus, my true son, [who shares] in a common faith. [May you have] unearned favor and peace [which come] from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Philemon 1:11

He was once useless to me, but is now useful to [both] you and me. [Note: Since the name Onesimus means “useful,” it appears Paul is making an intentional play on the word].

Philemon 1:13

I really wanted to keep him [here] with me so that, on your behalf, he could minister to me while in prison for the sake of the Gospel.

3 John 1:4

I do not have any greater joy than to hear that my [spiritual] children are living according to the truth.