1Verse 1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved and fellow worker,Verse 2to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church at your house:Verse 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon's Love and Faith
Verse 4I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers,Verse 5hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,Verse 6that the sharing of your faith may become effective in full knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.Verse 7For we have much thanksgiving and encouragement over your love, because the affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Paul's Plea for Onesimus
Verse 8Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to command you what is fitting,Verse 9rather on account of love I appeal to you—being such a one as Paul, the elder, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ—Verse 10I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment,Verse 11who formerly was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable both to you and to me,Verse 12whom I am sending back. You therefore receive him, that is, my very heart;Verse 13whom I wished to keep with myself, in order that on your behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the gospel.Verse 14But I wished to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good might not be by necessity, but rather voluntary.Verse 15For perhaps he was taken away for a time on account of this, in order that you might keep him eternally,Verse 16no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.Verse 17If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.Verse 18But if he has wronged you or owes anything, charge this to me.Verse 19I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention that you owe me even your own self!Verse 20Yes, brother, may I have profit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.Verse 21Having been persuaded of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.Verse 22But meanwhile, also prepare for me a guestroom, for I hope that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.
Final Greetings
Verse 23Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesus, greets you,Verse 24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.Verse 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.