Philemon 1:8-22 - An Appeal For Onesimus

⁸ I have all boldness in Christ to tell you what is appropriate. ⁹ Because of love I appeal to you, since I am Paul, the aged. I am also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. ¹⁰ I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment. ¹¹ He was once worthless to you, but now is useful to you and me. ¹² I send him back to you, like sending my heart. ¹³ I would have kept him with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the good news. ¹⁴ Without your agreement I would do nothing. Your goodness should not be out of necessity, but of free will. ¹⁵ Perhaps he was separated from you for a season, that you should have him forever. ¹⁶ He is no longer a servant. He is more than a servant. He is a beloved brother, especially to me, but also to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

¹⁷ If you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you and owes you anything at all, charge this to me. ¹⁹ I Paul write with my own hand. I will repay. I do not say that you owe your own self (life) to me. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have joy in you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. ²¹ I have confidence in your obedience. I write you, knowing that you will do beyond what I say. ²² Prepare a lodging for me. I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.