8 So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper,
9 I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love – I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus –
10 I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,
11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me.
12 I have sent him (who is my very heart) back to you.
13 I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.
14 However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.