I appeal to you on behalf of my son, Onesimus, whom I [spiritually] conceived while [here] in prison. He was once useless to me, but is now useful to [both] you and me. [Note: Since the name Onesimus means "useful," it appears Paul is making an intentional play on the word]. [Now] I am sending him back to you in person, [as though he were] part of my very self. read more.
I really wanted to keep him [here] with me so that, on your behalf, he could minister to me while in prison for the sake of the Gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your permission, so that your goodness [of heart] would not be shown out of a feeling of obligation, but out of willingness. For possibly Onesimus left you for a short time so that you could have him [back] forever, not as a slave [only], but more than a slave, as a dearly loved brother. [He is that] to me especially, but how much more to you, both in a physical way [i.e., by continuing to serve as your slave] and in [the fellowship of] the Lord [i.e., now also as your brother in Christ]. If then you consider me to be a partner [in the faith], welcome him [back] as [you would] me. But if he has done anything wrong to you, or owes you any [money], charge it to my account. I, Paul, am writing this in my own handwriting: I will pay you back. [But] I will not mention that you owe me your own self, as well. 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]. I am writing you, confident that you will be obedient [to my requests], and I know that you will do even more than I am asking [of you].