Philemon 7-9

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

⁷ I have^[a] indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.^(A)

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

⁸ For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing, ⁹ yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.^[b]