I wanted to keep him here with me. Then he could have served me in your place while I am in prison for spreading the Good News.
I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus came here. They have made up for your absence.
This is the reason I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus for those of you who are not Jewish.
I, a prisoner in the Lord, encourage you to live the kind of life which proves that God has called you.
You have a special place in my heart. So it’s right for me to think this way about all of you. All of you are my partners. Together we share God’s favor, whether I’m in prison or defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
He risked his life and almost died for the work of Christ in order to make up for the help you couldn’t give me.
From Paul, who is a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and our brother Timothy. To our dear coworker Philemon,
appeal to you for my child Onesimus [Useful]. I became his spiritual father here in prison.
I am sending him back to you. This is like sending you a part of myself.