Philemon 1:10-19

10So I am asking you to help Onesimus, who is like my own child. I taught him about Jesus while I was in prison. Because of that, he now has life with God. I am like his father.

11Before he trusted Jesus, Onesimus did not really help you. But now he can help both you and me.

12So I am now sending him back to you. Because I love him, it is like I am sending you my own heart.

13I wanted to keep him here with me, to help me on your behalf. I am in prison here because I taught people the good news about Jesus.

14But I did not want to do anything unless you agreed. I wanted you to help me because you really want to help. I did not want to make you do it.

15When Onesimus ran away from you, perhaps God let that happen. Onesimus left you for a short time so that you could now have him back for ever.

16You can have him back again not only as your slave. He will be something much better than a slave for you. He will be like a brother that you love. I love him very much. But now you will love him even more. He will serve you as a slave, but he will also serve the Lord, as you do.

17I am your friend. Together we serve God. If you agree with that, please be kind to Onesimus. Accept him in the same way that you would accept me.

18If Onesimus has done anything wrong to you, I will make it right again. If he took money from you, I will pay it back.

19I, Paul, am writing this myself: ‘I will pay the money back to you.’ But you should remember what I have given to you already. You have life with God because I told you the good news about Jesus.