12 I am sending him 7back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own 8heart, 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, hthat 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 iflesh and in the Lord.

Philemon’s Obedience Encouraged

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 jhand. 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 kHaving 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 lI trust that mthrough your prayers I shall be granted to you.

Farewell

23 nEpaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do oMark, pAristarchus, qDemas, rLuke, my fellow laborers.

25 sThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.