9. However, I would prefer to make an appeal on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an old man and now a prisoner for Christ Jesus,
10. appeal to you for my child Onesimus [Useful]. I became his spiritual father here in prison.
11. Once he was useless to you, but now he is very useful to both of us.
12. I am sending him back to you. This is like sending you a part of myself.
13. I wanted to keep him here with me. Then he could have served me in your place while I am in prison for spreading the Good News.
14. Yet, I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I want you to do this favor for me out of your own free will without feeling forced to do it.