1 ⁸ Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 1 ⁹ yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you - I, Paul, an ambassador and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus - 1 ¹⁰ I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment. 1 ¹¹ (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 1 ¹² I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 1 ¹³ I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel; 1 ¹⁴ but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own free will.

1 ¹⁵ Perhaps this is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back for ever, 1 ¹⁶ no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 1 ¹⁷ So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 1 ¹⁸ If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 1 ¹⁹ I, Paul, write this with my own hand, I will repay it - to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 1 ²⁰ Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

1 ²¹ Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 1 ²² At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be granted to you.