Philemon 1

Worrell(i) 1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and fellow-worker, 2 and to Apphia, the sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly in your house: 3 grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; 6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ. 7 For I had much joy and consolation on account of your love, because the tender affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. 8 Wherefore, though having much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon you that which is becoming, 9 yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus: 10 I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus, 11 who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me; 12 whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart; 13 whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel; 14 but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice. 15 For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever; 16 no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord! 17 If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself. 18 But, if he wronged you in anything, or owes you anything, set down this to my account. 19 I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, I would have joy of you in the Lord! refresh my tender affections in Christ. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus, salutes you; 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.