From Paul, who is in jail for serving Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, who is like a brother because of our faith. Philemon, you work with us and are very dear to us. This letter is to you

and to the church that meets in your home. It is also to our dear friend Apphia and to Archippus, who serves the Lord as we do.

As you share your faith with others, I pray they may come to know all the blessings Christ has given us.

Paul Speaks to Philemon about Onesimus

Christ gives me the courage to tell you what to do.

But I would rather ask you to do it simply because of love. Yes, as someone in jail for Christ,

I beg you to help Onesimus! He is like a son to me because I led him to Christ here in jail.

Sending Onesimus back to you makes me very sad.

But I won't do anything unless you agree to it first. I want your act of kindness to come from your heart, and not be something you feel forced to do.

Perhaps Onesimus was taken from you for a little while so you could have him back for good,

but not as a slave. Onesimus is much more than a slave. To me he is a dear friend, but to you he is even more, both as a person and as a follower of the Lord.

I am sure you will do all I have asked, and even more.

Epaphras is also here in jail for being a follower of Christ Jesus. He sends his greetings,

and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who work together with me.