Philemon 1

Salutation

1 From Paul,t a prisoner of Christ Jesus,s and Timothy ourt brother, to Philemon, our dear friendt and colaborer,2 to Apphias our sister,s to Archippus ourt fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house.

3 Grace and peace to yout from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Thanks for Philemon’s Love and Faith

4 I always thank my Gods as I remember you in my prayers,t5 because I heart of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your loves for all the saints.t6 I prayt that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessingt that belongs to yous in Christ.t

7 It have had great joy and encouragement becauset of your love, for the heartst of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Paul’s Request for Onesimus

8 So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper,9 I would rather appealt to you on the basis of love – I, Paul, an old mant and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesust –10 I am appealingt to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have becomet during my imprisonment,s that is, Onesimus,11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to yous and me.12 I have sentst him (who is my very heart)t back to you.13 I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your placet duringt my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.t14 However,t without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.15 For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,s16 no longer as a slave,t but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speakingt and in the Lord.17 Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.18 Now if he has defrauded you of anything or owes you anything, charge what he owest to me.19 I, Paul, have writtent this lettert with my own hand:s I will repay it. I could also mention that you owes me your very self.20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.s21 Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more thant what I am asking you to do.

22 At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.

Concluding Greetings

23 Epaphras,s my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you.24 Mark, Aristarchus,s Demass and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too.

25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ bet with your spirit.s

PHILEMON 1

1 From Paul, who is in jail for serving Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, who is like a brother because of our faith.
Philemon, you work with us and are very dear to us. This letter is to you

2 t and to the church that meets in your home. It is also to our dear friend Apphia and to Archippus, who serves the Lord as we do.

3 I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

Philemon's Love and Faith

7 My friend, your love has made me happy and has greatly encouraged me. It has also cheered the hearts of God's people.

Paul Speaks to Philemon //about Onesimus

11 Before this, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me.
12 Sending Onesimus back to you makes me very sad. 13 I would like to keep him here with me, where he could take your place in helping me while I am here in prison for preaching the good news.

14 But I won't do anything unless you agree to it first. I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do.
15 Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so you could have him back for good,

16 but not as a slave. Onesimus is much more than a slave. To me he is a dear friend, but to you he is even more, both as a person and as a follower of the Lord.
17 If you consider me a friend because of Christ, then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me. 18 If he has cheated you or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 With my own hand I write: I, PAUL, WILL PAY YOU BACK. But don't forget you owe me your life.

20 My dear friend and follower of Christ our Lord, please cheer me up by doing this for me.
21 I am sure you will do all I have asked, and even more.

22 Please get a room ready for me. I hope your prayers will be answered, and I can visit you.
23  t Epaphras is also here in jail for being a follower of Christ Jesus. He sends his greetings,

24 t and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who work together with me.
25 I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you!