7. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
8. Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you that which is required,
9. Yet for love's sake I rather beseech you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10. I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11. Who in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:
12. Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, my own heart:
13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14. But without your consent would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him forever;
16. Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17. If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18. If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account;
19. I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: nevertheless I do not say to you how you owe me even your own self besides.
20. Yea, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord.