[This is Philemon from the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version, copyright 2011. (Amazon.com) It has been revised from the King James Version into modern English by Frederick Hoehn. Philemon is a letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon regarding a recent convert to Christianity made by Paul, the man Onesimus. Paul is sending the servant Onesimus back to his master Philemon, and asking Philemon to be nice to Onesimus since Onesimus is Philemon's new brother in Christ. If there was a response back to Paul from Philemon, it didn't make it into the Bible.] ___Philemon 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house, 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of your love and faith, that you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints, 6 So that the communication of your faith will become effective by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother. 8 So, though I might be quite bold in Christ to command you that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love's sake I rather ask you please, being Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I ask you please for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my shackles, 11 Who in the past was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me, 12 Whom I have sent back to you, therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels, 13 Whom I would have retained with me, so that instead of you he could have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel, 14 But without your mind I wouldn't do anything, so that your benefit wouldn't be because you had to, but willingly. 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, so that you'd receive him forever, 16 Not now as a servant, but more than a servant, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17 If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account, 19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it, although I don't say to you how you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord, refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you'll also do more than I say. 22 But also, prepare me also a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you. 23 Epaphras greets you, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.