New Testament

Philemon

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus · 1:8–20

1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

1:9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

1:16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

1:19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.