11

Paul used these words in verse 11 to encourage Philemon to act favorably toward Onesimus.

11a

Formerly: This refers to the time after Onesimus ran away from Philemon and before Onesimus met Paul.

11a-b

useless…useful: The name Onesimus means “useful” (verse 10a). When Onesimus ran away from his master Philemon, he became useless (no longer useful) to him, which was opposite to what his name meant. But when Onesimus became a Christian, he became useful (helpful) again, so that the meaning of his name fit him again. See Display for verse 11a and 11b.

11b

to you and to me: Onesimus helped Paul while Paul was in prison. And when Onesimus returned to Philemon as his slave, he would help him and obey him. So he now could be useful to both Philemon and Paul.

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