15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave,(A) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.(B) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner,(C) welcome him as you would welcome me.

Read full chapter

15 Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while, so that you could have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but better than a slave—as a dear brother, especially to me, but even more so to you, both as a person and as a believer.[a]

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome[b] me.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:16 Or both in the flesh and in the Lord
  2. Philemon 1:17 The Gk. lacks you would welcome

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

Read full chapter