Philemon 1:1-25

From Paul, a prisoner for CHRIST JESUS, and from Timothy our brother; to Philemon, our dearly beloved fellow worker, to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to those who assemble in your house. Grace to you, and peace from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I always thank my GOD when I mention you in my prayers, for I hear about your love for and your faith in the LORD JESUS and for all of the saints. I pray that the sharing of your faith will be effective and lead to a full understanding of all the good we have in CHRIST. Your love brings me great joy and comfort, dear brother, because you have refreshed the hearts of the people of GOD. Therefore, even though I could be bold and command that you do what is appropriate, instead I, Paul, an old man and a prisoner for CHRIST JESUS, appeal to you with love. My plea is for my son, Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Previously he was useless to you, but now he has become useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you with my heart. I would have gladly kept him here so he could minister to me on your behalf while I am in prison for preaching the gospel, but not without your consent. This way, what ever you decide will be of your own free will. Perhaps you two were separated for a while so you could now have him back for good; no longer just as a slave, but as a dear brother, as he is to me especially. And now he will mean much more to you: as a man, and as a brother in the LORD. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. If he has wronged you in any way, or if he owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this in my own hand. I will repay it, even though you owe me your very soul. Yes, dear brother, may I have joy from you in the LORD. Refresh my heart in CHRIST. As I write this letter, I am confident that you will not only obey, but you will do even more than I ask. Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope to return to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner for CHRIST JESUS, says hello, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with your spirit.