¹⁰ that I appeal to you for my son^(A) Onesimus,^[a](B) who became my son while I was in chains.^(C)

¹² I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.

¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced^(A) but would be voluntary. ¹⁵ Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— ¹⁶ no longer as a slave,^(B) but better than a slave, as a dear brother.^(C) He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

¹⁷ So if you consider me a partner,^(D) welcome him as you would welcome me.

²¹ Confident^(A) of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.