Philemon 1:8-22 - An Appeal For Onesimus

⁸ Wherefore, though I have in Christ great liberty to enjoin thee what is becoming, ⁹ I rather for love's sake entreat, being such as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I entreat thee for my son, whom I have begotten during my bonds, Onesimus: ¹¹ who in time past hath been an unprofitable servant to thee, but now very profitable to thee and to me: ¹² whom I have sent back; thou therefore receive him, even as my own bowels: ¹³ whom I wished to detain about myself, that in thy stead he might have waited upon me during my bonds for the gospel: ¹⁴ but without thy consent would I do nothing; that this good deed of thine might not be as of necessity, but from thy own choice. ¹⁵ For to this end perhaps was he separated from thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever; ¹⁶ no longer as a slave, but above a slave, as a brother beloved, especially by me, but how much more by thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

¹⁷ If therefore thou holdest me a sharer with thee, receive him as myself. ¹⁸ If he hath injured thee or oweth thee ought, put that to my account; ¹⁹ I Paul have given it under my own hand, I will repay it, not to say to thee, that thou owest even thine own self unto me. ²⁰ Yea, brother, I wish to have joy in thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. ²¹ Having confidence in thy obedience, I have written unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do more than I say. ²² But at the same time prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.