Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer,

and thank my God for the account I have of your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love you bear to all the saints;

for your liberality, my brother, affected us with great joy and comfort, by your having refresh'd the bowels of the saints.

I had rather apply to your benevolent temper, and desire you would regard the years of Paul, who am now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ,

and intercede with you for my son Onesimus, whom I made a convert whilst I was in chains.

I would have kept him with me, to assist me in your stead during my confinement for the gospel.

perhaps he quitted you for a while, to be yours for ever after:

for the Lord's sake, brother, let me have this satisfaction: refresh my heart for his sake.

pray at the same time prepare me a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.