to my sister Apphia, to my fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church which meets at Philemon's house. From Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy.

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, (Hearing of thy faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,

hearing of thy love and faith, which thou have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the sanctified,

And I pray that your participation may become effectual, as you come to acknowledge every good thing which is in you to Christ.

Therefore, though I have much boldness in Christ to command thee that which is befitting,

yet out of [mutual] love, I appeal to you [to do what I ask]. For I Paul, am an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. [Note: Most calculations suggest that Paul was approximately 60 years old, which was considered a relatively advanced age in that day].

Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

I am sending him back to you, which is all the same as sending my very heart.

Nevertheless, without thy mind, would I do nothing, that that good which springeth of thee should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

Having confidence in your obedience I have written to you, knowing that you will do even more than those things which I say.