Letter to Philemon
Cotton Patch Version
1. From Paul, Christ Jesus prisoner, and Brother Timothy.
To Philemon, our beloved co–worker, and Sister Abbey, and Archie, our fellow fighter, and the church gathered at your house.
We wish you grace and peace from our Father–God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. You have constantly been in my prayers as I thanked God for the news of your love for all the Christians and of the life you lead based on the Lordship of Jesus. May your common life together stimulate you to a deeper understanding of all the advantages of being a Christian.
7. I personally got a lot of joy and comfort from your love because, brother, you really did make the members perk up.
8. There’s a matter about which I as a Christian have every right to make a demand of you, but because of our mutual love, I’ll rather make it a request. Being no other than Paul, an old man and now a prisoner for the cause of Christ Jesus, I want to make a request of you about my boy, Obie, whom I converted while in jail. Before his conversion he wasn’t worth a dime to you, but now he is very valuable to both you and me. And though it tears my heart out, I’m sending him back to you. I wanted so much to hold on to him myself, so he could pinch–hit for you in waiting on me while I’m in jail for the gospel. But I wouldn’t do a thing like that without your permission, because you might feel obligated to respond favorably, rather than doing it gladly from your heart.
15. Perhaps the reason he left you for a while was that you might have him with you always, no longer as your slave – far more than that – as your beloved brother. He is especially dear to me, and I’m sure he’ll be even more so to you, both as a person and as a brother in the Lord. If then you count me your partner, treat him as you would me. If he has hurt you in any way, or is in debt to you, transfer it to my account. I, Paul, hereby pledge with my own signature to pay it. (I won’t mention the fact that you owe me your own self.) Yes sir, brother, I’d even like to make a little profit on you for the Lord! Give me a bit of Christian encouragement, will you?
21. I have written to you like this because I am sure of a favorable response from you. In fact, I believe you’ll do even more than I’m asking. And by the way, get that guest room ready for me, because I’m hoping to be released soon and will be coming your way.
23. Pat, my cell–mate in Christ Jesus, sends his greetings, as do Mark, Rusty, Damon and Luke, my co–workers.
25. May the unmerited favor of the Lord Jesus Christ be upon the spirit of you all.
Sincerely,
Paul