1:1 This letter is from Paul. I am in prison because of Jesus Christ. Brother Timothy is also writing to you, Philemon. You are a much-loved workman together with us.
1:2 We are also writing to the church that meets in your home. This letter is also for our Christian sister Apphia and it is for Archippus who is a soldier together with us.
1:3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you His loving-favor and peace.
1:4 I always thank God when I speak of you in my prayers.
1:5 It is because I hear of your love and trust in the Lord Jesus and in all the Christians.
1:6 I pray that our faith together will help you know all the good things you have through Christ Jesus.
1:7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort. The hearts of the Christians have been made happy by you, Christian brother.
1:8 So now, through Christ, I am free to tell you what you must do.
1:9 But because I love you, I will only ask you. I am Paul, an old man, here in prison because of Jesus Christ.
1:10 I am asking you for my son, Onesimus. He has become my son in the Christian life while I have been here in prison.
1:11 At one time he was of no use to you. But now he is of use to you and to me.
1:12 I am sending him back to you. It is like sending you my own heart.
1:13 I would like to keep him with me. He could have helped me in your place while I am in prison for preaching the Good News.
1:14 But I did not want to keep him without word from you. I did not want you to be kind to me because you had to but because you wanted to.
1:15 He ran away from you for awhile. But now he is yours forever.
1:16 Do not think of him any longer as a servant you own. He is more than that to you. He is a much-loved Christian brother to you and to me.
1:17 If you think of me as a true friend, take him back as you would take me.
1:18 If he has done anything wrong or owes you anything, send me the bill.
1:19 I will pay it. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will not talk about how much you owe me because you owe me your life.
1:20 Yes, Christian brother, I want you to be of use to me as a Christian. Give my heart new joy in Christ.
1:21 I write this letter knowing you will do what I ask and even more.
1:22 Please have a room ready for me. I trust God will answer your prayers and let me come to you soon.
1:23 Epaphras says hello. He is a brother in Christ in prison with me.
1:24 Mark and Aristarchus and Demas and Luke who are workers with me say hello.
1:25 May the loving-favor of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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