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

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

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

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.

because I hear of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.

who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me.

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 –

Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do.

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 have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self.