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Philemon / Paul's Appeal for Onesimus' Acceptance and Reconciliation
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Paul's Appeal for Onesimus' Acceptance and Reconciliation

Philemon 1:8-25

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Chapter 1
8 Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to command you to do what is fitting, 9 but because of love I exhort you instead, being such a one as Paul—an elder, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 I exhort you concerning my child, whom I begot in my chains, Onesimus, 11 who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me, 12 whom I have sent back to you, him—this is my compassion. 13 whom I wished to keep with me, so that he might serve me on your behalf in the bonds of the gospel, 14 But without your advisement I wanted to do nothing, so that your good might not be according to necessity but according to voluntary. 15 Perhaps for this reason he was separated from you for a while, in order that you might have him eternally. 16 no longer as a slave but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, how much more to you, both in flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he wronged you in any way or owes you something, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, write with my own hand: I will repay it—so that I might not say to you that you also owe me even more. 20 Yes, brother, I might benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my compassion in Christ. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be granted to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you. 24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.