Philemon 14-16

Complete Jewish Bible

¹⁴ But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do for me may be voluntary and not forced.

¹⁵ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a brief period was so that you could have him back forever, ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, as a dear brother. And that he is, especially to me. But how much dearer he must be to you, both humanly and in union with the Lord!