to our sister Apphia, to our fellow-soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets at your house:

hearing of thy love and faith that thou hast unto the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

and I pray that their sharing of your faith may result in their recognition in us of everything that is right with reference to Christ.

For, much joy, have I had, and encouragement, by occasion of thy love, in that, the tender affections of the saints, have had rest given them by thee, brother.

Therefore, though I have much boldness in Christ to command thee that which is befitting,

yet out of [mutual] love, I appeal to you [to do what I ask]. For I Paul, am an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus. [Note: Most calculations suggest that Paul was approximately 60 years old, which was considered a relatively advanced age in that day].

I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,

And thou should welcome him, that is, my bowels.

Whom I wanted to keep back for myself, so that in thy behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the good-news.

but I would not do a single thing about it without your consent, so that this kindness of yours to me might not seem to come by compulsion but voluntarily.

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

not as a slave [only], but more than a slave, as a dearly loved brother. [He is that] to me especially, but how much more to you, both in a physical way [i.e., by continuing to serve as your slave] and in [the fellowship of] the Lord [i.e., now also as your brother in Christ].

And if he has wronged you at all, or is owing you anything, charge that to me.

I, Paul, write it with my own hand, I will pay it in full -- not to mention the fact that you owe me your very self besides.

Yes, brother, that I may have your help in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.

I write you in perfect confidence in your compliance with my wish, because I am sure that you will do even more than I ask.

And have a guest-room ready for me, too, for I hope that through your prayers I shall have the gracious privilege of coming to you.

along with [John] Mark [Note: This shows that Mark was now back in the good graces of Paul. See Acts 15:36-40], Aristarchus, Demas [Note: This man later deserted Paul. See II Tim. 4:10] and Luke, who are [also] my fellow-workers. [Note: These men, unlike Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul, were free to minister for Christ there in Rome].