1:1 Greetings from Paul, a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and from Timothy, our brother. To Philemon, our dear friend and worker with us.
1:2 Also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, who serves with us in the Lord’s army, and to the church that meets in your home.
1:3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4 I remember you in my prayers. And I always thank my God for you.
1:5 I thank God because I hear about the love you have for all of God’s holy people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus.
1:6 I pray that the faith you share will make you understand every blessing we have in Christ.
1:7 My brother, you have shown love to God’s people, and your help has greatly encouraged them. What a great joy and encouragement that has been to me.
1:8 There is something that you should do. And because of the authority I have in Christ, I feel free to command you to do it.
1:9 But I am not commanding you; I am asking you to do it out of love. I, Paul, am an old man now, and I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
1:10 I am asking you for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.
1:11 In the past he was useless to you. But now he has become useful for both you and me.
1:12 I am sending him back to you, but it’s as hard as losing part of myself.
1:13 I would like to keep him here to help me while I am still in prison for telling the Good News. By helping me here, he would be representing you.
1:14 But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then whatever you do for me will be what you want to do, not what I forced you to do.
1:15 Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever,
1:16 not to be just a slave, but better than a slave, to be a dear brother. That’s what he is to me. And I know he will mean even more to you, both as your slave and as one who shares your faith in the Lord.
1:17 If you accept me as your friend, then accept Onesimus back. Welcome him like you would welcome me.
1:18 If he has done any wrong to you or owes you anything, charge that to me.
1:19 I, Paul, am writing this in my own handwriting: I will pay back anything Onesimus owes. And I will say nothing about what you owe me for your own life.
1:20 So, my brother, as a follower of the Lord please do this favor for me. It would be such a great encouragement to me as your brother in Christ.
1:21 I write this letter knowing that you will do what I ask, and even more than I ask.
1:22 Also, please prepare a room for me. I hope that God will answer your prayers and that I will be able to come and see you.
1:23 Epaphras is a prisoner with me for Christ Jesus. He sends you his greetings.
1:24 Also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke send their greetings. They are workers together with me.
1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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