                                  Philemon



Chapter 1

1   Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon
    our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
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 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:
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.
