Philemon 1:1-12 ▼

1 From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our dear friend and colaborer,

2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your house.

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

5 because I hear of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.

6 I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.

7 I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

8 So, although I have quite a lot of confidence in Christ and could command you to do what is proper,

9 I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love--I, Paul, an old man and even now a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus--

10 I am appealing to you concerning my child, whose spiritual father I have become during my imprisonment, that is, Onesimus,

11 who was formerly useless to you, but is now useful to you and me.

12 I have sent him (who is my very heart) back to you.