Philemon

1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6That the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command thee what is befitting, 9Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own heart: 13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel: 14But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee any thing, put that on my account; 19I 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. 20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord. 21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22But at the same time prepare for me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you. 23There greet thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellowlabourers. 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.

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