Dual Panel1PAUL, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and brother Timothy to Philemon our muchloved fellowworker,
2to Apphia our sister and Archippus who is with us in the fight; to the church that meets in your home
3grace and peace be to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I always thank God for you, Philemon, in my constant prayers for you,
5for I have heard how you love and trust both the Lord Jesus himself and those who believe in him.
6And I pray that those who share your faith may be led into the knowledge of all the good things that believing in Christ Jesus means to us.
7It is your love, my brother, that gives us such comfort and happiness, and it cheers the hearts of your fellowChristians.
8And although I could rely on my authority in Christ and dare to order you to do what I consider right, I am not doing that.
9No, I am appealing in love, a simple personal appeal from Paul the old man, in prison for Christ Jesus' sake.
10I am appealing for my child. Yes I have become a father though I have been under lock and key, and the child's name isOnesimus!
11Oh, I know you have found him useless in the past but he is going to be useful now, to both of us.
12I am sending him back to youpart of my very heart.
13I should have dearly loved to have kept him with me: he could have done what you would have donelooked after me here in prison for the gospel's sake.
14But I would do nothing without consulting you first, for if you have a favor to give me, let it be spontaneous and not forced from you by circumstances! It occurs to me that there has been a purpose in your losing him.
15You lost him, a slave for a time; now you are having him back for good,
16not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother, He is already especially dear to mehow much more will you be able to love him, both as a man and as a fellowChristian!
17You and I have been true friends, haven't we? Then do welcome him as you would welcome me.
18If he has wronged or cheated you put it down to my account.
19I've written this with my own hand: I, Paul, hereby promise to repay you. (Of course I'm not stressing the fact that you might be said to owe me your very soul!)
20Now do grant me this favor, my brothersuch a Christian act would set my heart at rest.
21As I send you this letter I know you'll do what I askI believe, in fact, you'll do more. Will you do something else?
22Get the guestroom ready for me, for I have great hopes that through your prayers I myself will be returned to you as well!
23Epaphras, here in prison with me for Christ Jesus' sake, sends his greetings;
24so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, all fellowworkers of mine.
25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, amen.