Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philemon 1:10

"I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus," — Philemon 1:10 (ASV)

The imagery in this verse is very strong. The figure of the father and child was often used in Judaism as an illustration of the relationship of teacher and student or of leader and convert. Paul is here pleading on behalf of his spiritual son.