Philemon 1:8-22 - An Appeal For Onesimus

⁸ Therefore, though I have much boldness in Christ to command thee that which is befitting, ⁹ because of love I rather beseech, being such as aged Paul, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I beseech thee for my child Onesimus, whom I begot in my bonds. ¹¹ A man formerly unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me, whom I sent back. ¹² And thou should welcome him, that is, my bowels. ¹³ Whom I wanted to keep back for myself, so that in thy behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the good-news. ¹⁴ But I wanted to do nothing without thy mind, so that thy goodness might not be as from obligation, but from volition. ¹⁵ For perhaps because of this he departed for an hour, so that thou might receive him back forever, ¹⁶ no longer as a bondman, but above a bondman, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to thee, both in flesh and in Lord.

¹⁷ If then thou have me a partner, accept him as myself. ¹⁸ But if he has wronged thee, or owes anything, charge this to me. ¹⁹ I Paul write with my hand, I will repay, so that I may not say to thee that thou owe me in return even thyself. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have a favor of thee in Lord. Refresh my bowels in Lord. ²¹ Being confident in thine obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou will do above what I say. ²² But simultaneously also prepare a lodging for me, for I hope that by your prayers I will be granted to you.