[1] This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker,
[2] and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.
[3] May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
[4] I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,
[5] because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.
[6] And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
[7] Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
[8] That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.
[9] But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.
[10] I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.
[11] Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.
[12] I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
[13] I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.
[14] But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.
[15] It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.
[16] He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
[17] So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
[18] If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
[19] I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul!
[20] Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
[21] I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!
[22] One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
[23] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.
[24] So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
[25] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.