I would have liked to keep Onesimus with me so he could take your place in helping me while I’m being held in chains because of the good news I am offering.
It’s right for me to feel this way about all of you. You have a special place in my heart. Whether I’m being held in chains or standing up for the truth of the good news, either way, all of you share together in God’s grace with me.
He almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life by coming here to provide the help you couldn’t give me yourselves because you were so far away.