But when the Jews objected, ¹  I was forced to appeal to Caesar ²  – not that I had some charge to bring ³  against my own people. ⁴ 

I would rather appeal ¹  to you on the basis of love – I, Paul, an old man ²  and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus ³  –

because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, ¹  he is coming ²  to you of his own accord. ³ 

For the appeal we make ¹  does not come ²  from error or impurity or with deceit,

I am appealing ¹  to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become ²  during my imprisonment, ³  that is, Onesimus,

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea ¹  through us. We plead with you ²  on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”

If then I am in the wrong ¹  and have done anything that deserves death, I am not trying to escape dying, ²  but if not one of their charges against me is true, ³  no one can hand me over to them. ⁴  I appeal to Caesar!” ⁵ 

Although ¹  I am innocent, ²  I could not answer him; ³  I could only plead ⁴  with my judge ⁵  for mercy.

Do not address an older man harshly ¹  but appeal to him as a father. Speak to younger men as brothers, ² 

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹  bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you briefly.

Or do you think that I cannot call on my Father, and that he would send me more than twelve legions ¹  of angels right now?

After seven years the woman returned from the land of the Philistines and went to ask the king to give her back her house and field. ¹ 

I encourage you, then, be imitators of me.

And this prefigured baptism, which now saves you ¹  – not the washing off of physical dirt ²  but the pledge ³  of a good conscience to God – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Then I said, “I am sickened by the thought that the sovereign One ¹  might become inactive. ² 

Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, ¹  by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God ²  – which is your reasonable service.

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹  through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join fervently with me in prayer to God on my behalf.

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, ¹  to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them!

Now I, Paul, appeal to you ¹  personally ²  by the meekness and gentleness ³  of Christ (I who am meek ⁴  when present among ⁵  you, but am full of courage ⁶  toward you when away!) –

The Lord has heard my appeal for mercy; the Lord has accepted ¹  my prayer.