Philemon
1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our
brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer,
2 And
to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church
in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in
my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward
the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy
faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in
you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy
love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to
enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for loves 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: 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 fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus,
Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers. 25 The grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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