I give continual thanks to my God while making mention of you, my brother, in my prayers,

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

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,

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