Translation:Philemon

Paul bound, for the sake of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved fellow servant, And to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church that meets in your house:

Grace be with you, and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Thanks be to God, for making mention of you always in my prayers,

Having heard of the love and faith, that you have toward the Lord Jesus, and all the Saints; That the sharing of your faith may develop, so you may have knowledge of everything that is ours in Christ Jesus. For we have much delight and consolation in the love that you hold, because the hearts of the Saints are rested by you brother. Although I have faith in Christ Jesus to command you how to conduct things, Yet, motivated by love, I implore you, be like Paul the elder, now bound for the sake of Christ.

I implore you concerning my son Onesimus, who became so because of my being bound. Who before would have been useless, but today is useful to both you and me. Who I have sent, so you may receive him. For he is a man after my own heart. The one who I wanted to remain with me, so that in your place he could aid me while I am bound for the sake of the Gospel.

But I wish to do nothing without your counsel, in order that any good you do will not be out of obligation, but voluntarily. Therefore perhaps the reason he abandoned you for a time was so that he could return to you for perpetuity: No more like a slave, but greater than a slave, like a beloved brother. Especially beloved to me, but even more greatly to you, both in body and in the Lord.

If then you hold me to be an ally, welcome him as me. If to some extent he has hurt you or is indebted to you, then charge me. I, Paul, have composed this with my own hand. I will pay back all: without declaring that you yourself are indebted to me.

Brother, let me profit by you in the Lord; restore my heart to the Lord. Being confident of your obedience, I write to you in the knowledge that you will do more than I say.

Furthermore, provide for me hospitality, for I hope to be brought to you through your prayers.

Greetings from Epaphras, captive with me for the sake of Christ Jesus. And also from Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my assistants. Amen to you, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.