7. My brother, you have shown love to God’s people, and your help has greatly encouraged them. What a great joy and encouragement that has been to me.
8. There is something that you should do. And because of the authority I have in Christ, I feel free to command you to do it.
9. But I am not commanding you; I am asking you to do it out of love. I, Paul, am an old man now, and I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
10. I am asking you for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.
11. In the past he was useless to you. But now he has become useful for both you and me.
12. I am sending him back to you, but it’s as hard as losing part of myself.