1:7 |
For I have found great joy and consolation in your charity, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. |
1:8 |
Because of this, I have enough confidence in Christ Jesus to command you concerning certain things, |
1:9 |
but I beg you instead, for the sake of charity, since you are so much like Paul: an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. |
1:10 |
I beg you, on behalf of my son, whom I have begotten in my chains, Onesimus. |
1:11 |
In times past, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to me and to you. |
1:12 |
So I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heart. |
1:13 |
I myself wanted to retain him with me, so that he might minister to me, on your behalf, while I am in the chains of the Gospel. |
1:14 |
But I was willing to do nothing without your counsel, so as not to make use of your good deed as if out of necessity, but only willingly. |
1:15 |
So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity, |
1:16 |
no longer as a servant, but, in place of a servant, a most beloved brother, especially to me: but how much so more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord! |
1:17 |
Therefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would me. |
1:18 |
But if he has harmed you in any way, or if he is in your debt, charge it to me. |
1:19 |
I, Paul, have written this with my own hand: I will repay. And I need not tell you, that you are also in debt yourself, to me. |
1:20 |
So it is, brother. May I delight with you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ. |