Philemon 1:8-22 - An Appeal For Onesimus

⁸ Wherefore though I have sufficient authority in Christ to enjoin thee what is meet, ⁹ I would rather intreat thee out of love to me, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner too for the sake of Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ I intreat thee then for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, ¹¹ who was formerly unprofitable to thee, but now profitable both to thee and to me; whom I have sent back to thee: ¹² him therefore, as my own bowels, do thou receive. ¹³ Whom I would gladly have kept with me, that he might have ministered unto me as thou wouldst have done, in the bonds of the gospel. ¹⁴ But I would do nothing without thy knowledge, that thy kindness might not be as it were forced, but voluntary. ¹⁵ For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou mightest receive him for ever: ¹⁶ not now as a servant, but above a servant, a dear brother, especially to me, and how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord.

¹⁷ If therefore thou accountest me a friend, receive him as thou wouldst receive me. ¹⁸ If he hath wronged thee in any thing, or is indebted to thee, place it to my accompt: ¹⁹ I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will pay it: not to say that thou indeed owest even thy own self to me. ²⁰ Yea, my brother, let me enjoy this satisfaction from thee in the Lord: and thus refresh my bowels in the Lord. ²¹ Being fully persuaded of thy compliance, I have written to thee; knowing that thou wilt indeed do more than I ask. ²² But I must add, prepare me also a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.