¹ Paul, a prisoner^(A) of Christ Jesus, and Timothy^(B) our brother,^(C)

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker^(D)—

⁹ yet I prefer to appeal to you^(A) on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner^(B) of Christ Jesus—

1 Paul, an apostle^(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(B) and Timothy^(C) our brother,

²⁵ But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker^(A) and fellow soldier,^(B) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.^(C)

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner^(A) of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

⁹ For we are co-workers in God’s service;^(A) you are God’s field,^(B) God’s building.^(C)

⁸ So do not be ashamed^(A) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(B) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(C) by the power of God.

² We sent Timothy,^(A) who is our brother and co-worker^(B) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(C) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[a] among my co-workers^(A) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.