Philemon 1:1-25 CSB

[1] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dear friend and coworker, [2] to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home. [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers, [5] because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. [6] I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ. [7] For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. [8] For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right, [9] I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus, [10] appeal to you for my son, Onesimus. I became his father while I was in chains. [11] Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. [12] I am sending him back to you-I am sending my very own heart. [13] I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. [14] But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will. [15] For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, [16] no longer as a slave, but more than a slave-as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. [17] So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would me. [18] And if he has wronged you in any way, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. [19] I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it-not to mention to you that you owe me even your very self. [20] Yes, brother, may I benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. [21] Since I am confident of your obedience, I am writing to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. [22] Meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, since I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. [23] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do [24] Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers. [25] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.