1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy, our brother, unto Philemon, our dearly beloved, and fellow worker {laborer}, 2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints, 6That the fellowship {communication} of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts {bowels} of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is fitting {convenient}, 9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds, 11Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me, 12Whom I have sent again; thou, therefore, receive him, that is, mine own heart {bowels}; 13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel; 14But without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy benefit should not be, as it were, of necessity but willingly. 15For perhaps he therefore, departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him forever, 16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17If thou count me, therefore, a partner, receive him as myself. 18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee anything {ought}, put that on mine account. 19I, Paul, have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it; albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord; refresh my heart {bowels} in the Lord.

21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22At the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23There greet {salute} thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, 24Mark {Marcus}, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers {laborers}. 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.