He commends the faith and charity of Philemon; and sends back to him his fugitive servant, whom he had converted in prison.

 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother: to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer;  2 And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in thy house:  3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  4 I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers.  5 Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus, and towards all the saints:

 6 That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work, that is in you in Christ Jesus.  7 For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.  8 Wherefore though I have much confidence in Christ Jesus, to command thee that which is to the purpose:  9 For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul an old man, and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ.  10 I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus,

 11 Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable both to me and thee,  12 Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels.  13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel:  14 But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.  15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever:

 16 Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me: but how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord?  17 If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.  18 And if he hath wronged thee in any thing, or is in thy debt, put that to my account.  19 I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee, that thou owest me thy own self also.  20 Yea, brother. May I enjoy thee in the Lord. Refresh my bowels in the Lord.

 21 Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.  22 But withal prepare me also a lodging. For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.  23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;  24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke my fellow labourers.  25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.