Aug 7, 2022
10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose
father I became in my imprisonment.11 (Formerly he was
useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)
12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.
13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order
that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for
the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without
your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion
but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he
was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back
forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a
bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much
more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as
you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all,
or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write
this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing
me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some
benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing
that you will do even more than I say.22 At the same
time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through
your prayers I will be graciously given to you.
Key Words: Father, Useless, Useful, Heart,
Consent, Why, Slave, Partner, Repay
Keystone Verse: This perhaps is why… (Philemon
1:15)