6that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us, in Christ Jesus.

7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

8Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,

9yet for love`s sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus.

10I beg you for my child, whom I have fathered in my bonds, Onesimus,

11who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me;

12I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,

13whom I wanted to keep with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel.

14But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.

15For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,

16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, specially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.