Philemon 1:8-14

8That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.

9But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.

10I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.

11Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.

12I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.

13I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.

14But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.