1 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved friend and fellow worker, 2 and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace and peace to you from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grateful for Philemon
4 I always thank my Father as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all his holy people, 6 and I pray that sharing your faith will become effective as you come to understand every good thing we have in Christ. 7 For I have found great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of his holy people have been refreshed through you, brother.
A Plea, Not a Command
8 Therefore, although in Christ I am bold enough to command you to do what is right, 9 I would rather appeal to you for love's sake—I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus 10 —I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. 11 Once he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. a a v11 The name Onesimus means "useful" — Paul is playfully turning the runaway slave's own name into the heart of his appeal. 12 I am sending him back to you—and in doing so I am sending my very heart. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me, so that he could serve me on your behalf while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your kindness would not be forced but freely given. 15 Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a little while: so that you might have him back forever 16 —no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is very dear to me, but even more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 Yes, brother, do me this favor in the Lord — refresh my heart in Christ.
21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
22 And one more thing: prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given back to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.