15 For this perhaps is why (A)he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 (B)no longer as a bondservant[a] but more than a bondservant, as (C)a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, (D)both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me (E)your partner, receive him as you would receive me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; twice in this verse

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave,(A) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.(B) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner,(C) welcome him as you would welcome me.

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