Philemon:1:8-25

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* Wherefore , thought I might be bold in Christ , to enjoin you what is fit ; * yet , for love 's sake , I rather beseech , being such a one as Paul , an old man , and now , also a prisoner of Jesus Christ . * I beseech you for my son , whom I have begot , in my bonds , even Onesimus ; * who formerly was to you unprofitable , but now will be very profitable to you , even as he has been to me - * whom I have sent back : do you , therefore , receive him as an object of my tenderest affection ; * whom I was desirous to have detained with myself , that , in your stead , he might have ministered to me , in these bonds , for the gospel : * but without your mind I would do nothing , that the good derived might not be as if by constraint , but as voluntary . * Perhaps , also , for this reason he was separated for a little while , that you might have him for ever : * no longer as a slave only , but above a slave , a beloved brother , especially to me-and how much more to you , both in the flesh and in the Lord . * If , then , you hold me as a partner , receive him as myself . * And if he had injured you in anything , or owes you , place it to my account . * I , Paul , have written with my own hand-I will repay . I forbear to urge upon you , that you owe to me even your own self . * I beseech you brother , let me have joy of you in the Lord - gratify my tender affections for Christ 's sake . * Having confidence in your obedience , I have written to you , knowing that you will even do more than I ask . * But at the same time , prepare me also a lodging ; for I hope that through your prayers , I shall be granted to you . * These salute you , Epaphras , my fellow prisoner for Christ Jesus ; * Mark , Aristarchus ; Demas , Luke , my fellow-laborers . * The favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit .

---