Philemon 1:1-9

1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother: To Philemon our dear friend and coworker,

2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets in your home.

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

4I always thank my God when I mention you in my prayers,

5because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus.

6I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.

7For I have great joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

8For this reason, although I have great boldness in Christ to command you to do what is right,

9I appeal to you, instead, on the basis of love. I, Paul, as an elderly man and now also as a prisoner of Christ Jesus,