1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our dearly beloved friend, and fellow worker, 2And also to our beloved sister, Apphia, Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house: 3Grace and peace to you, from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God, as I remember you in my prayers, 5Because I am hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all of God’s people, 6Praying that the sharing of your faith may prove effective for a deeper knowledge of every good thing we share with you in Christ Jesus. 7For we take great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of God’s people are refreshed by you, my brother.

8Therefore, I am boldly asking a favor of you, though I could demand it in the name of Christ, because it is the right thing for you to do; 9Yet, for love's sake, I would prefer to ask you, as a request from such a one as Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I appeal to you for my son, Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains, 11In the past, Onesimus was useless to you, but he is now useful to both you and me. 12I am sending him back to you; so please welcome him, for with him comes my own heart. 13I would have liked to keep him with me, so that he might have ministered to me while in the bonds of the gospel, on your behalf. 14But I would not do that without your consent; so that any favor you do would not seem to be out of compulsion, but voluntarily. 15Perhaps the reason he left you for a while, was so that you would have him back forever, 16But no longer as your slave, but better than a slave, a brother beloved, and especially dear to me, but now even dearer to you, not only as a man, but a brother in the Lord. 17If you consider me a partner, then welcome him as you would me. 18If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19I, Paul, have written this with my own hand; I will repay it, not to mention how much you owe me, including your very own soul. 20Yes, brother, please do me this favor in the Lord; let me have this joy from you. Encourage my heart in the Lord.

21With confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22And one more thing: please prepare me a place of lodging (guest room); for I trust that through your prayers, I shall be restored to you. 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24And Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers, also send you greetings. 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.