NET Bible
"I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,"
— Philemon 1:10, NET Bible
“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:”
“I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, ”
“I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,”
“I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus,”
“My request is for my child Onesimus, the child of my chains,”
“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:”
I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Paul’s Request for Onesimus So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper,
I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love– I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus–
I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,
who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me.
I have sent him(who is my very heart) back to you.
I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.