Greetings from Paul and Timothy
(Philippians 1:1–2; Colossians 1:1–2)

1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and fellow-worker, 2and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly in your house: 3grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon’s Faith and Love

4I give thanks to my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5hearing of your love and the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; 6that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ. 7For I had much joy and consolation on account of your love, because the tender affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

8Wherefore, though having much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon you that which is becoming, 9yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus:

10I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus, 11who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me; 12whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart; 13whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel; 14but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice. 15For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever; 16no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!

17If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself. 18But, if he wronged you in anything, or owes you anything, set down this to my account. 19I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides. 20Yea, brother, I would have joy of you in the Lord! refresh my tender affections in Christ.

21Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

22But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.

Additional Greetings

23Epaphras, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus, salutes you; 24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.