Salutation

11 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker- 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier-and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace and peace to you[1] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon's Love and Faith

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people.

Paul Pleads for Onesimus

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul-an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus- 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[2] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him-who is my very heart-back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever- 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back-not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. 22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

Final Greetings

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

3 Grace and peace to you[3] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Other Translations of Philemon 1:3

King James Version

3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

English Standard Version

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Message

3 God's best to you! Christ's blessings on you!

New King James Version

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

New Living Translation

3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philemon 1:3

Commentary on Philemon 1:1-7

(Read Philemon 1:1-7)

Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.