^{8 Ref} Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

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

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

^{11 Ref} Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

^{12 Ref} Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

^{13 Ref} Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

^{14 Ref} But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

^{15 Ref} For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

^{16 Ref} Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

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

^{18 Ref} If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

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

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