Philemon 1:8-14

8I want to ask you to do something. I am sure that Christ has given me authority. So I could tell you strongly what you should do.

9But instead, because of love, I will ask you, ‘Please do it.’ I, Paul, am an old man. Also, I am in prison now because I serve Christ Jesus.

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.