Philemon
1:1 Paul,
a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly
beloved, and fellow labourer,
1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
1:3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
1:4 I
thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
1:5
Hearing of your love (o. agape) and faith, which you have
toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
1:6
That the communication of your faith may become effectual
by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
1:7 For we
have great joy and consolation in your love, (o. agape) because the bowels of
the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
1:8
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to admonish
you that which is convenient,
1:9
Yet for love's (o. agape) sake I rather plead to you, being
such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
1:10 I plead
to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
1:11
Which in time past was to you useless, but now profitable
to you and to me:
1:12
Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that
is, mine own bowels:
1:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in your position
he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
1:14
But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit
should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
1:15
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you
should receive him for ever;
1:16
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved,
specially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
1:17 If
you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
1:18
If he has wronged you, or owes you ought, put that on mine
account;
1:19 I
Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: although it be I do
not say to you how you owe unto me even yours own self besides.
1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh
my bowels in the Lord.
1:21
Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing
that you will also do more than I say.
1:22
But likewise prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that
through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
1:23
There salute you Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ
Jesus;
1:24 Marcus,
Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers.
1:25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
(o. pneuma) Amen.