1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Anointed Jesus, and brother Timothy,To Philemon our dear co-worker,

1:2 to sister Apphia, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the Congregation meeting at your home:

1:3 Favor and peace to you from God our Father and Master Jesus the Anointed.

1:4 I always thank my God, mentioning you when I pray,

1:5 because I hear about the love and faith you have toward Master Jesus and all the holy ones,

1:6 so that the fellowship of your faith may become energized in the realization of every good thing we have united with the Anointed.

1:7 I was very happy and comforted to see that your love has soothed the holy ones, brother!

1:8 I could boldly instruct with authority from the Anointed as to what is proper.

1:9 But instead I am asking you out of love, as Paul the old man and prisoner of Anointed Jesus,

1:10 concerning Onesimus, the “child” I “gave birth to” here in prison.

1:11 He was once useless to you, but now he is useful to both of us.

1:12 I have sent this one, who is so close to me, back to you,

1:13 though I really would prefer to have him stay here in my service to the Gospel.

1:14 But I don’t want to do anything without your input, so you can do the right thing voluntarily and not out of compulsion.

1:15 Who knows but that he was separated from you for a short time so that you could have him back “with interest” for eternity—

1:16 no longer as a slave but much more— as a dear brother to me and most of all to you; and not only a brother in the flesh but also of the Master.

1:17 So if you consider me your close friend, take him back as you would me.

1:18 And if he has harmed you or owes you anything, put it on my account.

1:19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will pay it back— not to mention that you really owe me your whole self!

1:20 Yes, brother, then I will make a “profit” from you concerning the Master, so soothe my heart.

1:21 And I am confident that you will comply, since I wrote to you knowing you will do even more than I ask.

1:22 Oh, and prepare a room for me, because I expect that as a result of your prayers I will graciously be allowed to visit you.

1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Anointed Jesus, greets you,

1:24 along with my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.

1:25 May the favor of Master Jesus the Anointed be with your spirit.