Philemon 11-13

Expanded Bible

¹¹ In the past he was ·useless [unprofitable; worthless] to you, but now he has become ·useful [helpful; valuable] for both you and me [^Ca play on words, since Onesimus means “useful” or “helpful”].

¹² I am sending him back to you, and ·with him I am sending my own heart [or he is my very heart]. ¹³ I wanted to keep him with me so that ·in your place [or on your behalf] he might ·help [serve] me while I am in prison for the ·Good News [Gospel].