Paul's Plea for Onesimus

Philemon 1

⁸ Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, ⁹ yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you - being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ - ¹⁰ I appeal to you for my son _g Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, ¹¹ who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. ¹² I am sending him ₁ back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own ₂ heart, ¹³ whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. ¹⁴ But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, _h that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. ¹⁵ For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 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 _i flesh and in the Lord.

¹⁷ If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. ¹⁸ But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. ¹⁹ I, Paul, am writing with my own _j hand. I will repay - not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. ²⁰ Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

²¹ _k Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. ²² But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for _l I trust that _m through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

1. Cross References
   Colossians 4:9
   With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
   
2. Cross References
   2 Corinthians 9:7
   So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
   1 Peter 5:2
   Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.
   
3. Cross References
   Ephesians 6:5
   Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.
   Colossians 3:22
   Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
   
4. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 16:21
   The salutation with my own hand - Paul's.
   Galatians 6:11
   See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
   2 Thessalonians 3:17
   The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
   
5. Cross References
   2 Corinthians 7:16
   Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
   
6. Cross References
   Philippians 1:25
   And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith.
   Philippians 2:24
   But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
   
7. Cross References
   2 Corinthians 1:11
   You also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
   

New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.