for what I hear of the love and faith you have in the Lord Jesus and all his people,

I have been greatly pleased and encouraged over your love, for the hearts of God's people have been cheered, my brother, by you.

I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I have become here in prison.

I would have liked to keep him with me, to wait on me in your place while I am in prison for the good news,

but I do not wish to do anything without your consent, so that your kindness might be voluntary, and not have the appearance of compulsion.

For perhaps this is why you and he were parted for a while, that you might have him back forever,