1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, 2and to Apphia our sister, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; 6that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you in Christ. 7For I have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

8Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate, 9yet on the basis of love I rather appeal, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

10I appeal to you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus, 11who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me. 12I am sending back to you, him who is my very heart, 13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 14But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 15For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, 16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account. 19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides). 20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

21Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

22Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

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