15 For this perhaps is why (A)he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 (B)no longer as a bondservant[a] but more than a bondservant, as (C)a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, (D)both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me (E)your partner, receive him as you would receive me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; twice in this verse

15 For perhaps because of this, he was separated from you for a time, in order that you might have him back 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 flesh and in the Lord.

Paul’s Request to Philemon

17 If therefore you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.

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