1 | Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother: to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer; |
2 | And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in thy house: |
3 | Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. |
4 | I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers. |
5 | Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus, and towards all the saints: |
6 | That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work, that is in you in Christ Jesus. |
7 | For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. |
8 | Wherefore though I have much confidence in Christ Jesus, to command thee that which is to the purpose: |
9 | For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul an old man, and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ. |
10 | I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus, |
11 | Who hath been heretofore unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable both to me and thee, |
12 | Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels. |
13 | Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel: |
14 | But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary. |
15 | For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever: |
16 | Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me: but how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord? |
17 | If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself. |
18 | And if he hath wronged thee in any thing, or is in thy debt, put that to my account. |
19 | I Paul have written it with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee, that thou owest me thy own self also. |
20 | Yea, brother. May I enjoy thee in the Lord. Refresh my bowels in the Lord. |
21 | Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. |
22 | But withal prepare me also a lodging. For I hope that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. |
23 | There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; |
24 | Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke my fellow labourers. |
25 | The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. |