Chapter 1
1 Paul, a prisoner for the sake of the Anointed One Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to our loved fellow worker Philemon, 2 our sister Apphia, our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the congregation in your home: 3 May you receive care and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus the Anointed One.
4 I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, 5 because I keep hearing about your love and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the Holy Ones. 6 [So I pray] that we can share in the faith that’s in you, as you learn accurately of all the good we’re doing through the Anointed One. 7 For, I have felt so much joy and comfort because of your love, our brother, due to the very kind things that you’ve done to refresh the Holy Ones.
8 This is the reason why I feel free in the Anointed One to obligate you to do something that would be very becoming of you. 9 Or should I say, I’m encouraging you because of love, seeing that I am what I am, Paul an old man, and now a prisoner for the sake of the Anointed One Jesus.
10 The encouragement I’m offering is in regard to my child (who I became a father to while I was in prison), Onesimus. 11 And although he was once useless to you, now he’s useful to both you and me. 12 I’m sending this one (who I care for deeply) back to you.
13 I would like to keep him here for myself instead of sending him to you, so he can continue serving my needs while I’m in the shackles that I’m wearing for the sake of the good news. 14 However, I don’t want to do anything without your consent, because I don’t want any good deed that you may wish to do, to be done because you were forced to into it… but because you want to.
15 Perhaps that’s really the reason why he broke away for a short period of time, so you could have him back in this era, 16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a loved brother. He’s especially this to me, but how much more so to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 So, if you consider me a worthy associate, welcome him kindly, as you would welcome me. 18 And if he did you any wrong, or if he owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19 I (Paul) am writing this in my own hand, and I will pay it back (of course, let me remind you that you already owe me). 20 Yes brother, may I receive some profit from you in the Lord. Give me some refreshment in the tender care of the Anointed One.
21 I’m writing you in full confidence that you’ll go along with my request, and I’m sure that you will do even more than what I’ve suggested. 22 In addition, prepare a place for me to stay, because I hope that (because of all your prayers) I’ll soon be free for your sakes.
23 Epaphras, my fellow captive in the Anointed One, sends you his greetings, as do 24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.
25 May the kindness of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One be with the spirit you show.