9yet for love's sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:
10I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, 11who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me: 12whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart: 13whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will. 15For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; 16no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself. 18But if he hath wronged the at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account; 19I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides. 20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
21Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.
22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.
23Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee; 24and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.
25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
