9 But because I love you, I am asking you instead. I, Paul, am an old man now, and a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
10 I am asking you a favor 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, and with him I am sending my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me to help me while I am in prison for the Good News. By helping me he would be serving you.
14 But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then any favor you do for me will be because you want to do it, not because I forced you to do it.
15 Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever—