Philemon 15-17

Contemporary English Version

¹⁵ Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so you could have him back for good, ¹⁶ but not as a slave. Onesimus is much more than a slave. To me he is a dear friend, but to you he is even more, both as a person and as a follower of the Lord.

¹⁷ If you consider me a friend because of Christ, then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.