9. But because I love you, I am asking you instead. I, Paul, am an old man now, and a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
10. I am asking you a favor for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.
11. In the past he was useless to you. But now he has become useful for both you and me.
12. I am sending him back to you, and with him I am sending my own heart.
13. I wanted to keep him with me to help me while I am in prison for the Good News. By helping me he would be serving you.
14. But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then any favor you do for me will be because you want to do it, not because I forced you to do it.
15. Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever—
16. not to be a slave, but better than a slave, to be a loved brother. I love him very much. But you will love him even more. You will love him as a man and as a brother in the Lord.