7. For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
8. Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
9. Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10. I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11. Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12. Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14. But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16. Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17. If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
19. I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.