| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New Living Translation |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it. And I won’t mention that you owe me your very soul ! |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. |
| 21[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 21I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! |
| 22[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 22One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon. Paul’s Final Greetings |
| 23[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. |
| 24[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 24So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. |
| 25[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 25May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
|
    |