1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy a brother,

2 To Philemon our friend and fellow-laborer, and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church which is in thy house.

3 Grace (be) to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I give thanks to my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus and towards all saints,

6 That the communication of thy faith may be effectual, by the knowledge of every good thing which is in thee towards Christ Jesus.

7 For we have much grace (or, joy) and consolation on account of thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.

8 Wherefore, while I have great confidence in Christ to command thee what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather entreat thee;

9 Being such a one as Paul the aged (or, elder,) and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds,

11 Onesimus, who formerly was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable both to thee and to me;

12 Whom I have sent back; receive him therefore, that is, my bowels;

13 Whom I was desirous to keep beside me, that he might minister to me instead of thee in the bonds of the gospel.

14 But without thy opinion I would do nothing, that thy benefit might not be by constraint, but of free choice.

15 For perhaps for this reason he was separated for a time, that thou mightest receive him for ever;

16 Not now as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?

17 If therefore thou holdest me to be thy associate, receive him as myself.

18 And if in anything he hath done thee injury, or oweth thee anything, place it to my account.

19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will pay it; not to tell thee that thou owest me even thyself.

20 Yea, brother, let me enjoy ²⁸⁹²⁸⁹     “Ou, recoive ce plaisir de toy.” — “Or, receive this pleasure from thee.” in the Lord; refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21 Being convinced of they obedience, I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do beyond what I write.

22 But at the same time prepare for me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus,

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers, salute thee.

25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (be) with your spirit. Amen.

It was sent from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a slave.