⁹ But I would rather ask you to do it simply because of love. Yes, as someone^[a] in jail for Christ, ^10 (A) I beg you to help Onesimus!^[b] He is like a son to me because I led him to Christ here in jail.

¹² Sending Onesimus back to you makes me very sad. ¹³ I would like to keep him here with me, where he could take your place in helping me while I am here in prison for preaching the good news. ¹⁴ But I won't do anything unless you agree to it first. I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do.

¹⁵ Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so you could have him back for good, ¹⁶ but not as a slave. Onesimus is much more than a slave. To me he is a dear friend, but to you he is even more, both as a person and as a follower of the Lord.

¹⁷ If you consider me a friend because of Christ, then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.