Philemon 1
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. <<Written * from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.>>
