because I hear of your love and of your faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints (God’s people).

That the faith which you have in common with them may be working with power, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ.

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

him at one time unprofitable to you, but now profitable both to you and to me: whom I have sent back to you,

Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

but I have wished to do nothing without thy mind, that thy good might not be as of necessity but of willingness:

For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

If then you have me as a partner, receive him as me.

but if he have wronged thee anything or owe anything to thee, put this to my account.

I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

Being confident of thine obedience, I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say.

And have a guest-room ready for me, too, for I hope that through your prayers I shall have the gracious privilege of coming to you.