Paul, a
prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our
brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and
fellowlabourer,
02 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our
fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
03 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
04 I thank my God, making mention of thee always
in my prayers,
05 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast
toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
06 That the communication of thy faith may become
effectual by the acknowledging of every good
thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
07 For we have great joy and consolation in thy
love, because the bowels of the saints are
refreshed by thee, brother.
08 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in
Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
09 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee,
being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also
a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I
have begotten in my bonds:
11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable,
but now profitable to thee and to me:
12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive
him, that is, mine own bowels:
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13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in
thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the
bonds of the gospel:
14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that
thy benefit should not be as it were of
necessity, but willingly.
15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a
season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a
brother beloved, specially to me, but how much
more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the
Lord?
17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive
him as myself.
18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought,
put that on mine account;
19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I
will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how
thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the
Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote
unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more
than I say.
22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I
trust that through your prayers I shall be given
unto you.
23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner
in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my
fellowlabourers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
your spirit. Amen.
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