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