Philemon 1:1-25 GNT

[1] From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy- To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, [2] and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus: [3] May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. [4] Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. [5] For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. [6] My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. [7] Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people. [8] For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done. [9] But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake. [10] So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. [11] At one time he was of no use to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me. [12] I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. [13] I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place. [14] However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree. [15] It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. [16] And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord! [17] So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. [18] If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. [19] Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) [20] So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up! [21] I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask-in fact I know that you will do even more. [22] At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you. [23] Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, [24] and so do my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. [25] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.