to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house.

I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.

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

I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.

However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,

I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self.

Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do.

At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.