Philemon 12-19

New International Version

¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 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. ¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced^(B) but would be voluntary. 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,^(C) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.^(D) 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,^(E) welcome him as you would welcome me. ¹⁸ If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.^{(F) 19} I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand.^(G) I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self.