Philemon 1:1-25 MEV

[1] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer, [2] and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers, [5] whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, [6] that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus. [7] For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother. [8] Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you to do that which is proper, [9] yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ- [10] I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, [11] who in the past was unprofitable to you, but now he is profitable to you and to me. [12] I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart. [13] I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me during my imprisonment for the gospel. [14] But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness would not be forced, but given willingly. [15] Perhaps this was why he departed for a while, that you might receive him forever, [16] no 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. [17] If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me. [18] If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account. [19] I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not to mention that you owe me even your own self. [20] Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord. [21] Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say. [22] But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you. [23] Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, [24] as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers. [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.