PHILEMON

PHILEMON   Chapter 1

1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,

1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from GOD our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:4 I thank my GOD, making mention of you always in my prayers,

1:5 Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

1:6 That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the affections of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to admonish you that which is convenient,

1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather plead to you, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

1:10 I plead to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

1:11 Which in time past was to you useless, but now profitable to you and to me:

1:12 Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, my own flesh:

1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in your position he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel:

1:14 But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever;

1:16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

1:17 If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

1:18 If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account;

1:19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although it be I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides.

1:20 Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my affections in the Lord.

1:21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.

1:22 But likewise prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

1:23 There salute you Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers.

1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.