1 Greeting and Prayer of Thanks From Paul, a prisoner fora Christ Jesus, and from my brother Timothy. To Philemon,b our dear friend and co-worker,
2 and to our sister Apphia,c and to Archippusd our fellow soldier, and to the communitye that meets in your house.
3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I give thanks to God for you all the time, as I mention you in my prayers.
5 Because I am hearing about your love, and about the faith that you showf towards the Lord Jesus, and to all the holy ones.
6 I’m praying that your partnership in the faithg will resulth in your recognition of all the goodness that’s in us in Christ.
7 Because I’ve had a lot of joy and encouragement from your love: you’ve refreshed the hearts of the holy ones,i my brother!
8 Paul Calls in a Favor on Behalf of Onesimus So, although I have plenty of confidence in Christ that I could order you to do what’s right,
9 I’d rather appeal to you on the basis ofj love. I’ll just speak ask Paul the elderl.-and now, also as a prisoner form Christ Jesus.
10 I appeal to you about my child, Onesimus,n that I fathered while I was in prison.o
11 Once he was no use to you, but now he’s valuable both to you and to me.
12 I’ve sent him to you-which means I’m sending my very heart!
13 I had wished that I could keep him here with me-that way, he could help me on your behalf, while I’m in prisonp for the good news.
14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your permission. That way, your good deed wouldn’t be forced: it would be by choice.q
15 After all, maybe this was why he was separated from you for a while-so that you’d get him back forever.
16 But not as a slave anymore-no, more than a slave. Now he’s a dear brother-especially to me, but how much more to you, both humanly and in the Lord!
17 So if you considerr me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
18 And if he’s done you any wrong, or owes you something, charge that to my account.
19 I, Paul, am writing this myself: I will pay you back. (That way I don’t have to mention to you that you also owe me yourself!)
20 Yes, my brother, I’d like this favor from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
21 I’ve written to you convinced that you’ll obey me. I know that you’ll do even more than I ask.
22 And at the same time, get a room ready for me too. Because I’m hoping to be given to you through your prayers.
23 Final Greeting Epaphras,s my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, says hello to you.
24 So do Mark, Aristarchus,t Demas,u and Luke, my co-workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with yourv spirit!