Philemon 1

1Paul, a prisoner because of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother. To Philemon, our dear friend and fellow worker,

2and to our sister Apphia, and to Archippus, who fights for God alongside us, and to the church that meets in your house:

3May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

4I always thank my God when I remember you in my prayers.

5I keep hearing about your love and your faith in the Lord Jesus and for all God's people.

6I pray that, as you share your faith, you will understand every good thing we have in Christ.

7Your love has given me great joy and comfort, my brother, because you have refreshed the hearts of God's people.

8So, as a follower of Christ, I could be bold and simply order you to do what is right.

9But because I love you, I would rather ask you. I, Paul, am an old man, and now also a prisoner because of Jesus Christ.

10I am asking you for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.

11Onesimus means "useful," and in the past he was not useful to you. But now he is useful to both you and me.

12I am sending him back to you, and he is very dear to me.

13I wanted to keep him here with me, so that he could help me in your place while I am in prison for the good news.

14But I did not want to do anything without your permission. I want any good you do to be your own free choice, not something forced.

15Maybe this is why he was away from you for a short time: so that you could have him back forever,

16No longer as a servant, but better than a servant — as a dear brother. He is very dear to me, and even more to you, both as a person and in the Lord.

17So if you think of me as your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

18If he has done you any wrong, or owes you anything, charge it to me.

19I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will pay it back. And I will not even mention that you owe me your very life.

20Yes, my brother, let me have some joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

21I am writing to you because I am sure you will obey. I know you will do even more than I ask.

22One more thing: please prepare a room for me, because I hope that, through your prayers, God will let me come to you.

23Epaphras, who is in prison with me for Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.

24So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

25May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.