Matthew Henry Commentary Philemon 1:8-14

"Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting, yet for love`s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus: I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart: whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel: but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will." — Philemon 1:8-14 (ASV)

It does not lower anyone to condescend, and sometimes even to beseech, where, strictly speaking, we could command. The apostle argues from love, rather than authority, on behalf of one converted through his efforts; and this was Onesimus. Alluding to that name, which means "profitable," the apostle acknowledges that in the past Onesimus had been unprofitable to Philemon, but he quickly mentions the change by which he had become profitable. Unholy persons are unprofitable; they do not fulfill the great purpose of their existence.

But what happy changes conversion makes! It turns evil to good, and the unprofitable to useful. Religious servants are treasures in a family. Such servants will be conscientious about their time and the trusts committed to them, and will manage everything for the best. No prospect of usefulness should lead anyone to neglect their obligations or to fail in obedience to their superiors. One great evidence of true repentance consists in returning to practice the duties that have been neglected.

In his unconverted state, Onesimus had fled, to his master's detriment; but now that he had seen his sin and repented, he was willing and eager to return to his duty. Little do people realize for what purposes the Lord allows some to change their situations or engage in undertakings, perhaps from evil motives. Had not the Lord overruled some of our ungodly projects, we may reflect on instances where our destruction would have been certain.