From Paul, now a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, a Brother.

I always mention you in my prayers and thank God for you,

Yet the claims of love make me prefer to plead with you--yes, even me, Paul, though I am an ambassador for Christ Jesus and, now a prisoner for him as well.

I plead with you for this Child of mine, Onesimus, to whom, in my parson, I have become a Father.

For my own sake I should like to keep him with me, so that, while I am in prison for the Good News, he might attend to my wants on your behalf.

It may be that he was separated from you for an hour, for this very reason, that you might have him back for ever,

Please also get a lodging ready for me, for I hope that I shall be given back to you all in answer to your prayers.

Epaphras, who is my fellow-prisoner for Christ Jesus, sends you his greeting;