Passage

Help with consent

Source and translation

World English Bible, Protestant Edition · Public domain · en

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¹³whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.

Philemon 1:13World English Bible, Protestant Edition

The scene

The writer wants to keep Onesimus with him to help during his imprisonment for the good news.

To understand

He says he is sending Onesimus back, calling him his own heart. He then explains that he will not act without the recipient's consent, so that the help may be freely given.

A question

How does the request for consent limit what the writer wishes to do?