I have written to you, having confidence in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly at your house.

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers,

hearing of your love and faith which you have for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

that your participation of the faith may be made effectual by a knowledge of all the good which we have in Christ Jesus.

For I have great joy and comfort in your love, because the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

Wherefore, having great boldness to command you what is fit,

I request you for my son Onesimus, whom I obtained in my bonds,

whom I should like to retain for myself, that he might serve me for you in the bonds of the gospel,

who was formerly not useful to you but is now most useful to you and me,

on account of love I rather request; being such as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

whom I have sent back. And do you receive him, that is, my soul,

but without your consent I will do nothing, that your service may not be compulsory but voluntary;

If therefore you regard me as a friend receive him as myself.

no longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

for perhaps he has been separated from you for a time that you may have him back forever,

If he injured you, or owes you any thing, set it to my account.

Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my co-laborers, salute you.

Yes, brother, let me be profited by you in the Lord; refresh my soul in Christ.

I, Paul, have written with my hand; I will pay; not to tell you that you owe yourself to me.

But at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

Epaphras, who is my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus,

PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy the brother, to the beloved. Philemon and our fellow-laborer,