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.
|