Paul’s Request for Onesimus

1:8 So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper, 1:9 I would rather appeal21 to you on the basis of love—I, Paul, an old man22 and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus23—1:10 I am appealing24 to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become25 during my imprisonment,26 that is, Onesimus, 1:11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you27 and me. 1:12 I have sent28 him (who is my very heart)29 back to you. 1:13 I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place30 during31 my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.32 1:14 However,33 without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness. 1:15 For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,34 1:16 no longer as a slave,35 but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking36 and in the Lord. 1:17 Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me. 1:18 Now if he has defrauded you of anything or owes you anything, charge what he owes37 to me. 1:19 I, Paul, have written38 this letter39 with my own hand:40 I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe41 me your very self. 1:20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.42 1:21 Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than43 what I am asking you to do. 1:22 At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.