II. The Petition of Paul for Onesimus. .         . . 8-16

Phm 1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

Phm 1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Phm 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

Phm 1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

Phm 1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Phm 1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

Phm 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

Phm 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

Phm 1:16 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?