Philemon 1:1-25 NCV

[1] From Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and from Timothy, our brother. To Philemon, our dear friend and worker with us; [2] to Apphia, our sister; to Archippus, a worker with us; and to the church that meets in your home: [3] Grace and peace to you 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 about the love you have for all God's holy people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. [6] I pray that the faith you share may make you understand every blessing we have in Christ. [7] I have great joy and comfort, my brother, because the love you have shown to God's people has refreshed them. [8] So, in Christ, I could be bold and order you to do what is right. [9] But because I love you, I am pleading with you instead. I, Paul, an old man now and also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, [10] am pleading with you for my child Onesimus, who became my child while I was in prison. [11] In the past he was useless to you, but now he has become useful for both you and me. [12] I am sending him back to you, and with him I am sending my own heart. [13] I wanted to keep him with me so that in your place he might help me while I am in prison for the Good News. [14] But I did not want to do anything without asking you first so that any good you do for me will be because you want to do it, not because I forced you. [15] Maybe Onesimus was separated from you for a short time so you could have him back forever- [16] no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a loved brother. I love him very much, but you will love him even more, both as a person and as a believer in the Lord. [17] So if you consider me your partner, welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me. [18] If he has done anything wrong to you or if he owes you anything, charge that to me. [19] I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back, and I will say nothing about what you owe me for your own life. [20] So, my brother, I ask that you do this for me in the Lord: Refresh my heart in Christ. [21] I write this letter, knowing that you will do what I ask you and even more. [22] One more thing-prepare a room for me in which to stay, because I hope God will answer your prayers and I will be able to come to you. [23] Epaphras, a prisoner with me for Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you. [24] And also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, workers together with me, send greetings. [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.