Greetings from Paul and Timothy
(Philippians 1:1–2; Colossians 1:1–2)

1Paul a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-labourer, 2to our beloved Appia, to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in your house, favour and peace be with you, 3from God our father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon’s Faith and Love

4I mention you always in my prayers, 5and thank my God for the account I have of your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love you bear to all the saints; 6so that the christian faith, which you have in common with us, displays itself to the observation of all good men about you. 7for your liberality, my brother, affected us with great joy and comfort, by your having refresh'd the bowels of the saints.

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

8Wherefore, tho' I have a right by virtue of my character, to prescribe what is fit: 9I had rather apply to your benevolent temper, and desire you would regard the years of Paul, who am now also a prisoner for Jesus Christ,

10and intercede with you for my son Onesimus, whom I made a convert whilst I was in chains. 11'tis true he was formerly useless to you, but now he will be useful to us both: 12I have sent him back, therefore receive him as one that I tenderly love. 13I would have kept him with me, to assist me in your stead during my confinement for the gospel. 14but I would not do any thing without your consent; that your benefaction might not appear any ways forc'd, but perfectly voluntary. 15perhaps he quitted you for a while, to be yours for ever after: 16not as a slave, but in another quality, as a dear brother whom I particularly value, but much more should you, both as he is your servant, and as he is a christian.

17I beg you therefore by the common ties of friendship to receive him as you would myself. 18if he has wrong'd you, or is indebted to you, place that to my account. 19I Paul give it under my own hand, I will repay it; not to say, that you owe your very self to me. 20for the Lord's sake, brother, let me have this satisfaction: refresh my heart for his sake.

21I writ this upon the presumption of your compliance, being persuaded that you will even do more than I mention.

22pray at the same time prepare me a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.

Additional Greetings

23Epaphras my fellow-prisoner in the cause of Christ Jesus; Marcus, 24Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-labourers, salute you.

25the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. AMEN.