SOAP: Thursday, March 6, 2008

Philemon 8-21 (NLT)

Phm 1:8 That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do,
Phm 1:9 but because of our love, I prefer just to ask you. So take this as a request from your friend Paul, an old man, now in prison for the sake of Christ Jesus.
Phm 1:10 My plea is that you show kindness to Onesimus. I think of him as my own son because he became a believer as a result of my ministry here in prison.
Phm 1:11 Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.
Phm 1:12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
Phm 1:13 I really wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.
Phm 1:14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. And I didn’t want you to help because you were forced to do it but because you wanted to.
Phm 1:15 Perhaps you could think of it this way: Onesimus ran away for a little while so you could have him back forever.
Phm 1:16 He is no longer just a slave; he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord.
Phm 1:17 So if you consider me your partner, give him the same welcome you would give me if I were coming.
Phm 1:18 If he has harmed you in any way or stolen anything from you, charge me for it.
Phm 1:19 I, Paul, write this in my own handwriting: "I will repay it." And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!
Phm 1:20 Yes, dear brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
Phm 1:21 I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!