To our dear friend and fellow-worker Philemon, to our sister Apphia, to our fellow-soldier Archippus; and to the Church that meets at Philemon's house;

And I pray that your participation in the Faith may result in action, as you come to a fuller realization of everything that is good and Christlike in us.

And so, though my union with Christ enables me, with all confidence, to dictate the course that you should adopt,

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,

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.

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.