no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord.

Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.

From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and colaborer,

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally,

At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you.

I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love – I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus –

So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper,

I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house.

I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.