However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.

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

I wanted to keep him so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.

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