Philemon
 


(Philemon 1:1)  Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,
 
(Philemon 1:2)  And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house:
 
(Philemon 1:3)  Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
(Philemon 1:4)  I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
 
(Philemon 1:5)  Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
 
(Philemon 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.
 
(Philemon 1:7)  For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
 
(Philemon 1:8)  Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
 
(Philemon 1:9)  Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
 
(Philemon 1:10)  I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
 
(Philemon 1:11)  Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
 
(Philemon 1:12)  Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
 
(Philemon 1:13)  Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
 
(Philemon 1:14)  But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
 
(Philemon 1:15)  For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him forever;
 
(Philemon 1:16)  Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?
 
(Philemon 1:17)  If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
 
(Philemon 1:18)  If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account;
 
(Philemon 1:19)  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.
 
(Philemon 1:20)  Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
 
(Philemon 1:21)  Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
 
(Philemon 1:22)  But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
 
(Philemon 1:23)  There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;
 
(Philemon 1:24)  Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.
 
(Philemon 1:25)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.