^{8 Ref} Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,

^{9 Ref} yet for love's sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:

^{10 Ref} I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,

^{11 Ref} who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:

^{12 Ref} whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:

^{13 Ref} whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

^{14 Ref} but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.

^{15 Ref} For perhaps he was therefore parted `from thee' for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;

^{16 Ref} no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

^{17 Ref} If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.

^{18 Ref} But if he hath wronged the at all, or oweth `thee' aught, put that to mine account;

^{19 Ref} I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.

^{20 Ref} Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.