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Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.[a] 10 I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.(A) 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful[b] to[c] you and to me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.[d] 13 I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel,(B) 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.(C) 15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.(D)

17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.(E) 18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.[e] 21 Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.(F)

22 One thing more: prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.(G)

Final Greetings and Benediction

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,[f](H) 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.(I)

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[g](J)

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Footnotes

  1. 9 Or as an ambassador of Christ Jesus, and now also his prisoner
  2. 11 The name Onesimus means useful or beneficial
  3. 11 Other ancient authorities read both to
  4. 12 Other ancient authorities read you; receive him
  5. 20 Other ancient authorities read in the Lord
  6. 23 Here you is singular
  7. 25 Other ancient authorities add Amen