Philemon 15-17

New International Reader's Version

¹⁵ Onesimus was separated from you for a little while. Maybe that was so you could have him back forever. ¹⁶ You could have him back not as a slave. Instead, he would be better than a slave. He would be a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even more dear to you. He is dear to you not only as another human being. He is also dear to you as a brother in the Lord.

¹⁷ Do you think of me as a believer who works together with you? Then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.