1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker,
2and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house:
3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.
6I pray that the sharing of your faith may work powerfully, as you come to know every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus.
7Your love has given us great joy and comfort, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
8So then, in Christ I could be very bold and order you to do what is right.
9But for love's sake I would rather ask you. I am Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10I ask you for my son Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains.
11In the past he was of no use to you, but now he is useful to you and to me.
12I have sent him back to you. So welcome him, for he is my very heart.
13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that he might serve me in your place while I am in chains for the gospel.
14But I would do nothing without your agreement, so that your kindness would not be forced, but given willingly.
15Perhaps this is why he was parted from you for a while: so that you might have him back for ever,
16no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me, and how much more to you, both as a man and in the Lord.
17So if you count me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
18If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, charge it to me.
19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will pay it back. I will not say that you owe me your very self as well.
20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
21I wrote to you because I am sure you will obey. I know that you will do even more than I say.
22And at the same time, get a room ready for me. I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.
24and so do Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Lucas, my fellow workers.
25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. «Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.»