1:1 From Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and from Timothy, our brother. To Philemon, our dear friend and worker with us;
1:2 to Apphia, our sister; to Archippus, a worker with us; 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 hear about the love you have for all 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 that we have in Christ.
1:7 My brother, you have shown love to God’s people. You have made them feel happy. This has given me great joy and comfort.
1:8 There is something that you should do. And because of your love in Christ, I feel free to order you to do it.
1:9 But because I love you, I am asking you instead. I, Paul, am an old man now, and a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
1:10 I am asking you a favor 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, and with him I am sending my own heart.
1:13 I wanted to keep him with me to help me while I am in prison for the Good News. By helping me he would be serving you.
1:14 But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then any favor you do for me will be because you want to do it, not because I forced you to do it.
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 a slave, but better than a slave, to be a loved brother. I love him very much. But you will love him even more. You will love him as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
1:17 If you think of me as your friend, then accept Onesimus back. Welcome him as you would welcome me.
1:18 If Onesimus has done anything wrong to you, charge that to me. If he owes you anything, charge that to me.
1:19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. 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, I ask that you do this for me in the Lord. Comfort my heart in Christ.
1:21 I write this letter, knowing that you will do what I ask you and even more.
1:22 Also, please prepare a room for me to stay in. I hope that God will answer your prayers and I will be able to come to you.
1:23 Epaphras is a prisoner with me for Christ Jesus. He sends greetings to you.
1:24 And also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke send greetings. They are workers together with me.
1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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