1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother,
to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer,
1:2 And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our
fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy 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 thee always in my prayers,
1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the
Lord Jesus, and towards all saints;
1:6 That the communication of thy 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 thy love, because
the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
1:8 Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin
thee that which is convenient.
1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such one
as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in
my bonds:
1:11 Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now
profitable to thee and to me:
1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that
is, my own bowels:
1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he
might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
1:14 But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit
should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou
shouldst 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 to thee, both in
the flesh, and in the Lord?
1:17 If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as
myself.
1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] aught, put that on
my account;
1:19 I Paul have written [it] with my own hand, I will repay
[it]: although I do not say to thee that thou owest to me even
thy own self besides.
1:20 Yes, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh
my bowels in the Lord.
1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing
that thou wilt also do more than I say.
1:22 But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust
that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
1:23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ
Jesus;
1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-laborers.
1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit.
Amen.
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