Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dearly-loved fellow labourer--

For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God's people have been, and are, refreshed through you, my brother.

it is for love's sake that--instead of that--although I am none other than Paul the aged, and am now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus,

It was my wish to keep him at my side for him to attend to my wants, as your representative, during my imprisonment for the Good News.

For perhaps it was for this reason he was parted from you for a time, that you might receive him back wholly and for ever yours;

Yes, brother, do me this favour for the Lord's sake. Refresh my heart in Christ.

I write to you in the full confidence that you will meet my wishes, for I know you will do even more than I say.

And at the same time provide accommodation for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be permitted to come to you.

Greetings to you, my brother, from Epaphras my fellow prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus;