²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”^(A)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(A) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner^(A) for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy^(B) of the calling^(C) you have received.

²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(A) in chains.^(B) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

⁸ So do not be ashamed^(A) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(B) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(C) by the power of God.

¹⁶ May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus,^(A) because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed^(B) of my chains.^(C)

¹⁰ that I appeal to you for my son^(A) Onesimus,^[a](B) who became my son while I was in chains.^(C)

¹³ I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains^(A) for the gospel.