This book is a letter that Paul wrote to a man named Philemon.
## Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon ##
Your language may have a particular way of introducing the authors of a letter. This could be translated as “We, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, write this letter to Philemon.”
## a prisoner of Christ Jesus ##
"who is in prison for teaching about Jesus Christ." People who did not like Jesus punished Paul by putting him in prison.
## our beloved brother ##
"our dear fellow believer" or "our spiritual brother whom we love"
soldier** - Here "soldier" is a metaphor that describes a person who struggles to spread the Gospel. This may be translated as "our fellow-spiritual warrior" or "who also fights the spiritual battle with us." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
"the group of believers that meets in your house" (UDB)
## your house ##
The word "your" is singular and refers to Philemon.
## Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ ##
"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." This is a blessing. The word "you" is plural and refers to all the people Paul greeted in verses 1 and 2.