Philemon 1:11

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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].

Cross References

2 Timothy 4:11

Luke is the only one [of my fellow-workers still] with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you for he [will be] helpful to me in [my] ministry.

1 Peter 2:10

At one time you [Gentiles] were not a [chosen] people, but now you are God’s [special] people. Once you had not received [His] mercy, but now you have received it.

Luke 15:32

But it was [only] proper that we celebrate and have a good time, for this brother of yours was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again; he was lost [from me] but [now] is found.’”

Romans 3:12

Everyone has turned away [from God]. All of them have become worthless. No one is [always] kind; no, not even one person.”

Luke 17:10

So, you too, after you have done everything you were told to, should say, ‘We are unworthy slaves. We have done [only] what we were supposed to do.’”

Luke 15:24

For my son here was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again. He was lost [from me], but [now] is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

Matthew 25:30

Throw out that worthless servant into the [place of] outer darkness, where there will be crying and excruciating pain.

Philemon 1:10

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

Philemon 1:12

[Now] I am sending him back to you in person, [as though he were] part of my very self.