To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, 2to Apphia our sister,A to Archippusa our fellow soldier,b and to the church that meets in your home.c

3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon’s Love and Faith

4I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5because I hear of your lovea for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. 6I pray that your participation in the faith may become effectivea through knowing every good thingb that is in usA for the glory of Christ. 7For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refresheda through you, brother.

An Appeal for Onesimus

8For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, 9I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly manA and now also as a prisonera of Christ Jesus, 10appeal to you for my son,a Onesimus.a b I became his fatherc while I was in chains. 11Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. 12I am sending him back to you — I am sending my very own heart.a B 13I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. 14But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. 15For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, 16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave — as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesha and in the Lord.b

17So if you consider me a partner, welcomea him as you would me. 18And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.a 19I, Paul, write this with my own hand:a I will repay it — not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self. 20Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

Final Greetings

23Epaphras,a my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do 24Mark,a Aristarchus,b Demas, and Luke,c my coworkers.

25The grace of the Lorda a Jesus Christ be with your spirit.b