7. For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8. Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
9. yet for love’s sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10. I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,
11. who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
12. I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
13. whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
14. But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
15. For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,
16. no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17. If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
18. But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account.