THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO PHILEMON

[1 Paul's joy in hearing of the faith and love of Philemon. 10 Onesimus entreated for.]


PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy
our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, 
and fellow-labourer, 
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus
our fellow-soldier, 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 besseech 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, especially 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 
aught, 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 Yeah, 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 fellow-prisoner
in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my 
fellow-labourers. 
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with 
your spirit. Amen. 

[Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a 
servant.]