Philemon 1:8-22 - An Appeal For Onesimus

⁸ Wherefore, though having much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon you that which is becoming, ⁹ yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus: ¹⁰ I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus, ¹¹ who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me; ¹² whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart; ¹³ whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel; ¹⁴ but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice. ¹⁵ For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever; ¹⁶ no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!

¹⁷ If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself. ¹⁸ But, if he wronged you in anything, or owes you anything, set down this to my account. ¹⁹ I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides. ²⁰ Yea, brother, I would have joy of you in the Lord! refresh my tender affections in Christ. ²¹ Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. ²² But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.