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Philemon 10 – Paul’s Appeal
V.10 – Paul’s Appeal
Here is the purpose of his appeal Onesimus. Paul again aims for a sympathetic tone “appeal,” “my child” and “my imprisonment.” Doesn’t this phrasing better enable Paul to touch the heart (or bowels) than, “I command you by Christ for the sake of the converted Onesimus?” Paul has yet to mention the object of his appeal. First he wants to set the right atmosphere. Paul states that:
1) he mentions Philemon in his prayers (v.4);
2) he hears of his love and faith (v.5);
3) his good works which are in Christ (v.6);
4) he has received joy and comfort from Philemon’s love (v.7);
5) Philemon has refreshed the saints (v.7);
6) love is the source of his appeal (v.9);
7) he is aged and imprisoned (v.9); and
8) the appeal is for his child (v.10).
All this was necessary to soften the response of Philemon to the name of his runaway slave, Onesimus.
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