[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.