Philemon 1:8-16

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.

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.