[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 old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus—
[1:10] I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became 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 accord.
[1:15] For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,
[1:16] no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, 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 that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.