Thematic Bible: Paul for onesimus


Thematic Bible



I beseech you for my son, Onesimus, whom I have begotten in these chains. Once you found him "unprofitable," but now he is "profitable" to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, he himself, that is, my very heart! read more.
I could wish to retain him at my side, so that he might minister to me in your stead, in my bonds for the gospel. But without your consent I was unwilling to do anything, so that your kindness to me might be of your own free will, and not of compulsion. Perhaps for this reason you were separated from him for an hour, in order that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a brother beloved; especially dear to me, but how much more to you, both as a man and a fellow Christian. If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. And if he has wronged you at all, or is owing you anything, charge that to me. I Paul am writing this in my own handwriting, "I will repay you." But I will not mention that you owe me, over and over, your very soul. Come my brother, let me have joy in the Lord because of you! Refresh my heart in Christ! Because I am thoroughly persuaded of your obedience, I have written you, knowing full well that you will do by me what I am asking.