And Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, also to Apia, our sister and

archipus, our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home.

Grace and peace to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers because I

hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord

Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your

understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the

hearts of the Lord's people.

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold in order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.

It is as none other than Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, that I appeal to you for my son, Onessimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful to both you and to me. I am sending him who is my very heart

back to you. I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping

me while I am in chains for the gospel.

But I did not want to do anything without your consent,

so that any favor you do would not seem forced but be voluntary.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while

was that you might have him back forever.

No longer as a slave, but better than a slave,

as a dear, as a

a slave, as a dear brother.

He is very dear to me, but even dearer to you,

...