Paul’s Plea for Onesimus — Philemon 1:8–21
Overview
Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus with grace, showing how the gospel transforms relationships through forgiveness and love.
Details
Verse Selections
(8) Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
(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.
(10) I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
(11) Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
(12) Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
(13) Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
(14) But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
(15) For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
(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?
(17) If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
(18) If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
(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.
(20) Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
(21) Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.