Philemon 1
1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother; to Philemon, beloved of us and our coworker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I give thanks to my God, always mentioning you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith, which you possess for the Lord Jesus, and for all the saints, 6 so that the sharing of your faith may become effective in acknowledgment of every good thing in us for Christ, 7 for I have had much joy and encouragement over your love because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
8 Though I possess much boldness in Christ to order you to do what is needed, 9 rather, because of our love, I appeal to you merely as Paul, an old man, but now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
10 I appeal to you about my child, whom I have spiritually begotten while in prison—Onesimus, 11 the one who was once useless to you, but now useful both to you and to me, 12 whom I sent back to you—him who is my heart, 13 whom I was desirous to keep with me, that he might serve me on your behalf while I am in prison for the gospel’s sake. 14 But not having your consent I wanted to do no such thing, so that your kindness would not be forced, but according to your own willingness.
15 Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a short time, so that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave, but, more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me and how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you regard me as a partner, receive him as you would me; 18 but if in anything he has wronged you or owes you, charge this to my account. 19 I, Paul, wrote with my own hand, “I will repay”—not that I say you also owe me your very self.
20 Yes, brother, may I have this benefit from you in the Lord? Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you knowing that, even beyond what I say, you will do. 22 At the same time, also prepare lodging for me; for I hope, through your prayers, to be restored to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke—my coworkers. 25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
