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).

For I have had great joy and comfort and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints (God’s people) have been refreshed through you, my brother.

Therefore [on the basis of these facts], though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is appropriate,

I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child Onesimus, whom I have fathered [in the faith] while a captive in these chains.

I would have chosen to keep him with me, so that he might minister to me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel;

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

Yes, brother, let me have some benefit and joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.