8. Wherefore though I have much confidence in Christ Jesus, to command thee that which is to the purpose:
9. For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul an old man, and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.
10. I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus,
11. Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable both to me and thee,
12. Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels.
13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel:
14. But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.
15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever:
16. Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me: but how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord?
17. If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.
18. And if he hath wronged thee in any thing, or is in thy debt, put that to my account.
19. I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee, that thou owest me thy own self also.
20. Yea, brother. May I enjoy thee in the Lord. Refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21. Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
22. But withal prepare me also a lodging. For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
23. There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;
24. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke my fellow labourers.
25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.