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.