Philemon 1:10

Afrikaans (NLV) 2011

Ek pleit by jou vir my kind Onesimus. Ek het hom hier in die tronk tot bekering gelei.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Philemon, Paul is asking for the forgiveness and acceptance of a man named Onesimus who was once a slave to Philemon but has now become like a son to Paul in his imprisonment.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you had a friend who did something really wrong, but then they learned a lot from someone else and became good. Now that person is asking you to forgive your friend because he's become like family.

Historical Background

Paul wrote this letter around 60 AD while in prison for preaching about Jesus. The audience was Philemon, a wealthy Christian living in Colossae, who owned Onesimus as a slave before he ran away and met Paul.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you have a friend who made a big mistake against another friend of yours but then they changed their ways through a mentor or someone else. Would you be willing to forgive them and take them back?

Topics

• forgiveness
• slavery
• friendship
• faith
• conversion
• redemption

Related Verses

• Romans 12:20-21
• Matthew 5:43-48
• Colossians 4:9
• Ephesians 6:7-9
• Luke 6:37

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Paul's relationship with Onesimus before writing to Philemon?

Paul had a close spiritual relationship with Onesimus. He had become like a son to Paul during his imprisonment, indicating a significant transformation and bond.

Why did Paul ask for forgiveness on behalf of Onesimus?

Paul asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus because Onesimus had wronged him in the past by running away. But now that he was converted and changed, Paul hoped Philemon would accept him back.

What does it mean for Paul to have 'begotten' Onesimus?

In a spiritual sense, this means that Paul had been like a father figure in guiding Onesimus's faith journey. It signifies the transformation and mentorship role Paul played in Onesimus’s life.

What can we learn from Philemon about forgiveness?

Philemon teaches us to forgive others as God has forgiven us, even when they have wronged us deeply. Forgiveness can heal relationships and bring people closer to God.