For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

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

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

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

whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

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

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