Philemon 1:1-25 NET

[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. [13] I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. [14] However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness. [15] For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally, [16] no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord. [17] Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me. [18] Now if he has defrauded you of anything or owes you anything, charge what he owes to me. [19] I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self. [20] Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. [21] Since I was confident that you would obey, I wrote to you, because I knew that you would do even more than what I am asking you to do. [22] At the same time also, prepare a place for me to stay, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given back to you. [23] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you. [24] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my colaborers, greet you too. [25] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.