14. But I didn't want to do anything unless you agreed. Any favor you do must be done because you want to do it, not because you have to.
15. Onesimus was separated from you for a little while. Maybe that was so you could have him back for good.
16. You could have him back not as a slave. Instead, he would be better than a slave. He would be a dear brother. He is very dear to me. But he is even more dear to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
17. Do you think of me as a believer who works together with you? Then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.