1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy, our brother, unto Philemon, our dearly beloved and fellowlabourer,
1:2 And to our beloved sister, Apphia, and Archippus, our fellowsoldier and to the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} 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 charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus and toward all saints;
1:6 that the communication of thy faith may become effectual for the knowledge of all the good that is in you by Christ Jesus.
1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy charity because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.
1:8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command thee that which is expedient,
1:9 yet for the sake of charity I rather beseech thee, being such a 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 is profitable to thee and to me,
1:12 whom I send again unto thee; therefore, receive him, as you would receive me.
1:13 I desired to retain him with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel,
1:14 but I did not want to do anything without thy counsel, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
1:15 Perhaps for this, he departed from you for a season, that thou should have him again forever,
1:16 not now as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord.
1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
1:18 If he has wronged thee or owes thee anything, put that on my account;
1:19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it; albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
1:20 Therefore, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord, that thou might refresh my heart in the Lord.
1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience, I have written unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
1:22 In the same manner prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
1:23 Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus, salutes thee.
1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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