[[Titus 3|<< Titus 3]] | [[Philemon|Philemon]] | [[Hebrews 1|Hebrews 1 >>]] ### Philemon 1 1 PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy _our_ brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlaborer, ^1 2 And to _our_ beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: ^2 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ^3 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, ^4 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; ^5 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. ^6 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. ^7 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, ^8 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. ^9 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: ^10 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: ^11 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: ^12 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: ^13 14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. ^14 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; ^15 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? ^16 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. ^17 18 If he has wronged thee, or owes _thee_ ought, put that on mine account; ^18 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. ^19 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. ^20 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. ^21 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. ^22 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; ^23 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlaborers. ^24 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ _be_ with your spirit. Amen. ^25 > ¶     Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.