yet for love's sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,

he who was once worthless to you, but now useful to you and to me; whom I sent back to you.

whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:

Whom I wanted to keep back for myself, so that in thy behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the good-news.

Perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, so that you would have him back forever,

If then you consider me to be a partner [in the faith], welcome him [back] as [you would] me.

I, Paul, write [this] with my [own] hand: I will pay it back, lest I mention to you that {you owe me even your very self besides}.

So, brother, I would like to have your help in [the fellowship of] the Lord; cheer me up in Christ [i.e., by welcoming Onesimus back on good terms].

At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.

along with [John] Mark [Note: This shows that Mark was now back in the good graces of Paul. See Acts 15:36-40], Aristarchus, Demas [Note: This man later deserted Paul. See II Tim. 4:10] and Luke, who are [also] my fellow-workers. [Note: These men, unlike Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul, were free to minister for Christ there in Rome].