Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

8 So {although} in Christ I am bold enough to order you [to do] what [is] proper, 9 I prefer to appeal on the basis of love. [For] I, Paul, am now aged, and a prisoner of Jesus Christ[fn] as well.

10 I appeal to you for my child Onesimus,[fn] whose father I became [while I was] in my[fn] chains. 11 Formerly [he was] useless to you, but now [he has become] useful [both] to you and to me. 12 I am sending back for you to receive[fn] him who is my very heart.

13 I would have liked to keep [him] with me, so that on your behalf he could minister to me in [my] chains for the gospel. 14 But I did [not] want to do [anything] without your consent, so that your goodness will not be out of compulsion, but by your own free will. 15 For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a while, so that you might have him back for good—16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, [as] a beloved brother. [He is] especially [ beloved ] to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in [the] Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, receive him as [you would receive] me. 18 But if he has wronged you in any way or owes [you anything], charge it to my account. 19 I, Paul, write [this] with my own hand. I will repay [it]—not to mention that you owe me your very self.

20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit[fn] from you in [the] Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.[fn]

21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 In the meantime, prepare a guest room for me, because I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.