Philemon 1:1-9

1This letter is from me, Paul. I am in prison because I serve Christ Jesus. Our Christian friend Timothy is here with me. We are writing to you, Philemon. You are our friend, and we love you. You work on behalf of Christ, as we do.

2We say ‘hello’ also to Apphia, who is like a sister to us. And we say ‘hello’ to Archippus, who serves Christ like a soldier, as we do. We also say ‘hello’ to the group of Christians who meet in your home.

3I pray that God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ will continue to help you. I pray that they will give you peace in your minds.

4When I pray for you, I always thank my God when I think about you.

5I thank God because people tell me good things about you. You love all God's people and you trust in the Lord Jesus.

6We each have the same faith in Christ as we serve him. So I pray that, as a result, you will become strong. I pray that you will understand more about every good thing that is ours because of Christ.

7My friend, you have helped God's people to feel stronger. Your love for them has made me very happy. It makes me feel stronger too.

8I want to ask you to do something. I am sure that Christ has given me authority. So I could tell you strongly what you should do.

9But instead, because of love, I will ask you, ‘Please do it.’ I, Paul, am an old man. Also, I am in prison now because I serve Christ Jesus.