1:1   From Paul, who is in jail for serving Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, who is like a brother because of our faith. Philemon, you work with us and are very dear to us. This letter is to you

1:2   and to the church that meets in your home. It is also to our dear friend Apphia and to Archippus, who serves the Lord as we do.

1:3   I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

1:4   Philemon, each time I mention you in my prayers, I thank God.

1:5   I hear about your faith in our Lord Jesus and about your love for all of God's people.

1:6   As you share your faith with others, I pray that they may come to know all the blessings Christ has given us.

1:7   My friend, your love has made me happy and has greatly encouraged me. It has also cheered the hearts of God's people.

1:8   Christ gives me the courage to tell you what to do.

1:9   But I would rather ask you to do it simply because of love. Yes, as someone in jail for Christ,

1:10   I beg you to help Onesimus! He is like a son to me because I led him to Christ here in jail.

1:11   Before this, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me.

1:12   Sending Onesimus back to you makes me very sad.

1:13   I would like to keep him here with me, where he could take your place in helping me while I am here in prison for preaching the good news.

1:14   But I won't do anything unless you agree to it first. I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do.

1:15   Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so that you could have him back for good,

1:16   but not as a slave. Onesimus is much more than a slave. To me he is a dear friend, but to you he is even more, both as a person and as a follower of the Lord.

1:17   If you consider me a friend because of Christ, then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.

1:18   If he has cheated you or owes you anything, charge it to my account.

1:19   With my own hand I write: I, PAUL, WILL PAY YOU BACK. But don't forget that you owe me your life.

1:20   My dear friend and follower of Christ our Lord, please cheer me up by doing this for me.

1:21   I am sure you will do all I have asked, and even more.

1:22   Please get a room ready for me. I hope your prayers will be answered, and I can visit you.

1:23   Epaphras is also here in jail for being a follower of Christ Jesus. He sends his greetings,

1:24   and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who work together with me.

1:25   I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you!