Philemon 1:13

I'd have preferred to keep him here with me so that he could have helped me as you would have done while I am in chains for telling the good news.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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

In Context

12I send him to you with my fondest wishes.

14But I decided not to do anything without your permission. I didn't want you to be forced to do good, but to do so willingly.

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Cross References

1 Corinthians 16:17I'm delighted that Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus have arrived here, for they did what you weren't able to.

Ephesians 4:1So I—this prisoner in the Lord—am encouraging you to make sure you live according to the principles to which you were called.

Philippians 2:30because in working for Christ he nearly died, putting his life on the line to make up for the help you weren't in a position to give me.

Matthew Henry on Philemon 1:9-25

The Apostle's Plea for Onesimus; Salutations. ( a. d. 62.) 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 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. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13… Read the whole commentary →

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