1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and brother Timothy, To Philemon, our dear friend and fellow helper;
2 and to dear sister Apphia, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
3 Grace be with you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I give thanks to my God (making mention of you always in my prayers
5 when I hear of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints,
6 so that the fellowship of your faith may be made effective, and that whatever good thing is in you through Christ Jesus may be known).
7 For we have great joy and encouragement in your love because by you, brother, the saints’ hearts are comforted.
8 Therefore, though I am very bold in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,
9 yet for love’s sake, rather, I exhort you (though I am as I am: old, and even now a prisoner for Jesus Christ)
10 I encourage you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment
11 (who in the past was unprofitable to you, but is now profitable to both you and me)
12 and whom I have sent again. Therefore, receive him who is my own heart,
13 whom I wanted to keep with me so that he might have ministered to me in your place in the bonds of the Gospel.
14 But I do not wish to do anything without your consent, so that your goodness would not be out of necessity, but willingly.
15 Therefore, it may be that he departed for a season so that you would receive him forever
16 (no longer as a servant, but above a servant, as a beloved brother), especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
17 Therefore, if you count us as partners, receive him as me.
18 If he has hurt you, or owes you anything, put that on my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it. Though I do not mention that even you owe me yourself.
20 Yes, brother, let me obtain this pleasure from you in the Lord. Comfort my heart in the Lord.
21 Trusting in your obedience, I wrote to you knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22 In addition, prepare lodging for me also. For I trust I shall be freely given to you through your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you;
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow helpers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
(Written from Rome to Philemon and sent by Onesimus, a servant.)