English / ERV
Philemon 1
Easy-to-Read Version, 2006
- 1Greetings from Paul, a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and from Timothy, our brother. To Philemon, our dear friend and worker with us.
- 2Also to our sister Apphia, to Archippus, who serves with us in the Lord’s army, and to the church that meets in your home.
- 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 4I remember you in my prayers. And I always thank my God for you.
- 5I thank God because I hear about the love you have for all of God’s holy people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus.
- 6I pray that the faith you share will make you understand every blessing we have in Christ.
- 7My brother, you have shown love to God’s people, and your help has greatly encouraged them. What a great joy and encouragement that has been to me.
- 8There is something that you should do. And because of the authority I have in Christ, I feel free to command you to do it.
- 9But I am not commanding you; I am asking you to do it out of love. I, Paul, am an old man now, and I am a prisoner for Christ Jesus.
- 10I am asking you for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.
- 11In the past he was useless to you. But now he has become useful[1] for both you and me.
- 12I am sending him back to you, but it’s as hard as losing part of myself.
- 13I would like to keep him here to help me while I am still in prison for telling the Good News. By helping me here, he would be representing you.
- 14But I did not want to do anything without asking you first. Then whatever you do for me will be what you want to do, not what I forced you to do.
- 15Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever,
- 16not to be just a slave, but better than a slave, to be a dear brother. That’s what he is to me. And I know he will mean even more to you, both as your slave and as one who shares your faith in the Lord.
- 17If you accept me as your friend, then accept Onesimus back. Welcome him like you would welcome me.
- 18If he has done any wrong to you or owes you anything, charge that to me.
- 19I, Paul, am writing this in my own handwriting: I will pay back anything Onesimus owes. And I will say nothing about what you owe me for your own life.
- 20So, my brother, as a follower of the Lord please do this favor[2] for me. It would be such a great encouragement to me as your brother in Christ.
- 21I write this letter knowing that you will do what I ask, and even more than I ask.
- 22Also, please prepare a room for me. I hope that God will answer your prayers and that I will be able to come and see you.
- 23Epaphras is a prisoner with me for Christ Jesus. He sends you his greetings.
- 24Also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke send their greetings. They are workers together with me.
- 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.