Philemon 1

1 From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy— To our friend and fellow worker Philemon,

2 t and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus:

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Philemon's Love and Faith

4 Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. 5 For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. 6 My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. 7 Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people.

A Request for Onesimus

8 For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done. 9 But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus,and at present also a prisoner for his sake.t 10 t So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. 11 At one time he was of no use to you, but now he is usefult both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. 13 I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place. 14 However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.

15 It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. 16 And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

17 So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) 20 So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!

21 I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask—in fact I know that you will do even more. 22 At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you.

Final Greetings

23  t Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, 24 t and so do my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.

25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Philemon 1

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker,2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4 I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,5 hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;6 that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.7 For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.8 Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting,9 yet for love’s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus:10 I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus,11 who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me:12 whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:13 whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14 but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will.15 For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever;16 no longer as a servant, but more than a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.17 If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself.18 But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account;19 I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.21 Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say.22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee;24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.