Philemon 1

Philemon 1

Salutation

1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,[#2 Cor 1.1; Eph 3.1; Phil 2.25]

To our beloved coworker Philemon,

2to our sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church in your house:[#Rom 16.5; Phil 2.25; Col 4.17; #1.2 Other ancient authorities add beloved; #1.2 Gk your is singular]

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

Philemon’s Love and Faith

4I thank my God always when I mention you in my prayers,[#1.4 In verses 4-21, you is singular]

5because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.[#Eph 1.15; Col 1.4]

6I pray that the partnership of your faith may become effective as you comprehend all the good that we share in Christ.[#1.6 Other ancient authorities read you (plural); #1.6 Other ancient authorities add Jesus]

7I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.[#v 20; 2 Cor 7.13; #1.7 Other ancient authorities read we have]

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus

8For this reason, though I am more than bold enough in Christ to command you to do the right thing,

9yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love—and I, Paul, do this as an old man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus.[#1.9 Or as an ambassador of Christ Jesus, and now also his prisoner]

10I am appealing to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I have become during my imprisonment.[#1 Cor 4.14, 15; Col 4.9]

11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.[#1.11 The name Onesimus means useful or beneficial; #1.11 Other ancient authorities read both to]

12I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.[#1.12 Other ancient authorities read you; receive him]

13I wanted to keep him with me so that he might minister to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel,[#Phil 1.7]

14but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.[#2 Cor 9.7; 1 Pet 5.2]

15Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back for the long term,

16no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.[#Mt 23.8; Col 3.22; 1 Tim 6.2]

17So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.[#2 Cor 8.23]

18If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to me.

19I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand: I will repay it. I say nothing about your owing me even your own self.

20Yes, brother, let me have this benefit from you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.[#1.20 Other ancient authorities read in the]

21Confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.[#2 Cor 2.3]

22One thing more: prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping through your prayers to be restored to you.[#Acts 28.23; 2 Cor 1.11; Phil 1.25; 2.24]

Final Greetings and Benediction

23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you,[#Col 1.7; #1.23 Here you is singular]

24and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers.[#Acts 12.12; Col 4.10]

25The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[#2 Tim 4.22; #1.25 Other ancient authorities add Amen]

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition, copyright © 2021 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Published by: National Council of the Churches of Christ