1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,
2 and to Apphia, our sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the congregation in your house:
4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers.
5 I hear about your love, and about the faith you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the holy ones.
6 May the fellowship of your faith operate in the knowledge of every good thing that is in you for Jesus Christ.
7 For I have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed through you, brother.
8 I have all boldness in Christ to tell you what is appropriate.
9 Because of love I appeal to you, since I am Paul, the aged. I am also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment.
11 He was once worthless to you, but now is useful to you and me.
12 I send him back to you, like sending my heart.
13 I would have kept him with me, that in your behalf he might minister to me in my imprisonment for the good news.
14 Without your agreement I would do nothing. Your goodness should not be out of necessity, but of free will.
15 Perhaps he was separated from you for a season, that you should have him forever.
16 He is no longer a servant. He is more than a servant. He is a beloved brother, especially to me, but also to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 But if he has wronged you and owes you anything at all, charge this to me.
19 I Paul write with my own hand. I will repay. I do not say that you owe your own self (life) to me.
20 Yes, brother, let me have joy in you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
21 I have confidence in your obedience. I write you, knowing that you will do beyond what I say.
22 Prepare a lodging for me. I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.