1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved fellow labourer,
1:2 And to our sister Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
1:5 Because I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
1:6 And I pray that the sharing of your faith may promote the knowledge of every good thing which is ours in Christ Jesus.
1:7 For we have great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
1:8 Therefore, though I could be bold in Christ and order you that which is proper,
1:9 Yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you, I, Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
1:10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in these bonds:
1:11 Who in times past was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.
1:12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart,
1:13 Whom I would have kept with me, that in your place he might have ministered to me while I am in these bonds for the gospel:
1:14 But without your consent I did not want to do anything; that your benevolence should not be, as it were, of necessity, but willingly.
1:15 For perhaps he was parted from you for a while for this reason, that you should have him back forever;
1:16 No longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
1:17 Therefore, if you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.
1:18 If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, charge that to my account;
1:19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it: to say nothing of how you owe to me even your own self as well.
1:20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
1:21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
1:22 At the same time prepare me a guest room: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
1:23 Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;
1:24 And from Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow labourers.
1:25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. [Amen.]