Greeting
1 From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and brother Timothy, to Philemon our dear co-worker, 2 to sister Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the Congregation meeting at your home: 3 Favor and peace to you from God our Father and Master Jesus Christ.
Gratitude and prayer
4 I always thank my God, mentioning you when I pray, 5 because I hear about the love and faith you have toward Master Jesus and all the holy ones, 6 so that the fellowship of your faith may become energized in the realization of every good thing we have united with Christ. 7 I was very happy and comforted to see that your love has soothed the holy ones, brother!
A plea for restoration
8 I could boldly instruct with authority from Christ as to what is proper. 9 But instead I am asking you out of love, as Paul the old man and prisoner of Christ Jesus, 10 concerning Onesimus, the “child” I “gave birth to” here in prison. 11 He was once useless to you, but now he is useful to both of us. 12 I have sent this one who is so close to me back to you, 13 though I really would prefer to have him stay here in my service to the good news. 14 But I don’t want to do anything without your input, so you can do the right thing voluntarily and not out of compulsion. 15 Who knows but that he was separated from you for a short time so that you could have him back “with interest” for eternity— 16 no longer as a slave but much more— as a dear brother to me and most of all to you; and not only a brother in the flesh but also of the Master.
17 So if you consider me your close friend, take him back as you would me. 18 And if he has harmed you or owes you anything, put it on my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will pay it back— not to mention that you really owe me your whole self! 20 Yes, brother, then I will make a “profit” from you concerning the Master, so soothe my heart. 21 And I am confident that you will comply, since I wrote to you knowing you will do even more than I ask. 22 Oh, and prepare a room for me, because I expect that as a result of your prayers I will graciously be allowed to visit you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 May the favor of Master Jesus Christ be with your spirit.