Paul (a prisoner) and Timothy to Philemon, Apphia (probably Philemon’s wife) and Archippus our fellow soldier – grace and peace. Paul thanks God for Philemon’s love and faith. Paul appeals for his son Onesimus, whom he begot while in chains. (Onesimus was Philemon’s escaped slave, who fled to Rome and managed to meet Paul.) Paul sends Onesimus back with the hope that Philemon will allow him to return again to Paul. Perhaps Onesimus escaped that he might be received again by Philemon not as a slave, but as a beloved brother. Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul himself; if Onesimus has wronged Paul, that is to be put to Paul’s own account. ‘I will repay; not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides…Let me have joy from you in the Lord.’ Paul asks that Philemon prepare a guest room for him. Paul sends greetings to Philemon from common friends in Rome. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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