Philemon 1:11
He was once useless to me, but is now useful to [both] you and me. [Note: Since the name Onesimus means "useful," it appears Paul is making an intentional play on the word].
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Summary
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Unprofitable
Profitable
General references
Bible References
Unprofitable
Matthew 25:30
Throw out that worthless servant into the [place of] outer darkness, where there will be crying and excruciating pain.
Luke 17:10
So, you too, after you have done everything you were told to, should say, 'We are unworthy slaves. We have done [only] what we were supposed to do.'"
Romans 3:12
Everyone has turned away [from God]. All of them have become worthless. No one is [always] kind; no, not even one person."
1 Peter 2:10
At one time you [Gentiles] were not a [chosen] people, but now you are God's [special] people. Once you had not received [His] mercy, but now you have received it.
Profitable
Luke 15:24
For my son here was dead [spiritually], but is [now] alive again. He was lost [from me], but [now] is found.' And they began to celebrate.
2 Timothy 4:11
Luke is the only one [of my fellow-workers still] with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you for he [will be] helpful to me in [my] ministry.
General references
Luke 17:10
So, you too, after you have done everything you were told to, should say, 'We are unworthy slaves. We have done [only] what we were supposed to do.'"