because I continue to hear of the love and faith you have in the Lord Jesus and all His 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.

Yes, I have felt great joy and encouragement over your love, because the hearts of God's people have been refreshed by you, my brother.

So, although through union with Christ I have full freedom to order you to do your duty,

yes, I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I have become while wearing these chains.

who was formerly unprofitable to thee, but now profitable both to thee and to me; whom I have sent back to thee:

Whom I have sent back to you, him who is my very heart:

I would have liked to keep him with me, to wait on me in your stead while I wear these chains for the good news,

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

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

If then thou have me a partner, accept him as myself.

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

I, Paul, have written it with, my own, hand, - I, will repay it ; that I may not tell thee - that, thyself, unto me, thou still owest.

Yes, brother, let me have a favor of thee in Lord. Refresh my bowels in Lord.

Because I am thoroughly persuaded of your obedience, I have written you, knowing full well that you will do by me what I am asking.

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.