8. There is something that you should do. And because of the authority I have in Christ, I feel free to command you to do it.
9. But I am not commanding you; I am asking you to do it out of love. I, Paul, am an old man now, and I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
10. I am asking you for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.
11. In the past he was useless to you. But now he has become useful for both you and me.
12. I am sending him back to you, but it’s as hard as losing part of myself.
13. I would like to keep him here to help me while I am still in prison for telling the Good News. By helping me here, he would be representing you.
14. But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then whatever you do for me will be what you want to do, not what I forced you to do.
15. Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever,
16. not to be just a slave, but better than a slave, to be a dear brother. That’s what he is to me. And I know he will mean even more to you, both as your slave and as one who shares your faith in the Lord.