English Bible Presentation Sharing - Philemon Book, chapter 1, verse 11 in Erven Version

Philemon 1 : 1 (ERVEN)

Greetings from Paul, a prisoner for Jesus Christ, and from Timothy, our brother. To Philemon, our dear friend and worker with us.

Philemon 1 : 2 (ERVEN)

Also to Apphia, our sister, to Archippus, a worker with us, and to the church that meets in your home.

Philemon 1 : 3 (ERVEN)

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

Philemon 1 : 4 (ERVEN)

I remember you in my prayers. And I always thank my God for you.

Philemon 1 : 5 (ERVEN)

I 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.

Philemon 1 : 6 (ERVEN)

I pray that the faith you share will make you understand every blessing we have in Christ.

Philemon 1 : 7 (ERVEN)

My 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.

Philemon 1 : 8 (ERVEN)

There is something that you should do. And because of the authority I have in Christ, I feel free to command you to do it.

Philemon 1 : 9 (ERVEN)

But 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.

Philemon 1 : 10 (ERVEN)

I am asking you for my son Onesimus. He became my son while I was in prison.

Philemon 1 : 11 (ERVEN)

In the past he was useless to you. But now he has become useful for both you and me.

Philemon 1 : 12 (ERVEN)

I am sending him back to you, but it's as hard as losing part of myself.

Philemon 1 : 13 (ERVEN)

I 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.

Philemon 1 : 14 (ERVEN)

But 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.

Philemon 1 : 15 (ERVEN)

Onesimus was separated from you for a short time. Maybe that happened so that you could have him back forever,

Philemon 1 : 16 (ERVEN)

not 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.

Philemon 1 : 17 (ERVEN)

If you accept me as your friend, then accept Onesimus back. Welcome him like you would welcome me.

Philemon 1 : 18 (ERVEN)

If he has done any wrong to you or owes you anything, charge that to me.

Philemon 1 : 19 (ERVEN)

I, 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.

Philemon 1 : 20 (ERVEN)

So, my brother, as a follower of the Lord please do this favor for me. It would be such a great encouragement to me as your brother in Christ.

Philemon 1 : 21 (ERVEN)

I write this letter knowing that you will do what I ask, and even more than I ask.

Philemon 1 : 22 (ERVEN)

Also, 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.

Philemon 1 : 23 (ERVEN)

Epaphras is a prisoner with me for Christ Jesus. He sends you his greetings.

Philemon 1 : 24 (ERVEN)

Also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke send their greetings. They are workers together with me.

Philemon 1 : 25 (ERVEN)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.