10. I beg you for my child Onesimus—for whom I became a spiritual father while in chains.
11. He once was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and me.
12. I sent him back to you—he is my very heart.
13. I really wanted to keep him with me, so that on your behalf he might serve me while I am in chains for the Good News.
14. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness wouldn’t be by force but by free will.
15. For perhaps he was separated from you for a while in order that you might have him back forever,
16. no longer as a slave but more than a slave—as a beloved brother, especially to me but even more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
18. But if he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
19. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay. (Not to mention that you owe me your very self.)
20. Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Messiah.