Paul, a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), and our brother Timothy,

To Philemon our dearly beloved friend and fellow worker,

in such sort that thy participation in the faith should become operative in the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in us towards Christ Jesus.

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

I would have chosen to keep him with me, so that he might minister to me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel;

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

Even as I write, I have such confidence in your compliance with my wishes, that I am sure that you will do even more than I am asking.

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