RWebster - Philemon - 1

1:1  Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

1:2  And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy 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 thee always in my prayers,

1:5  Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

1:6  That the fellowship of thy 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 thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

1:8  Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command thee what is befitting,

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

1:10  I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

1:11  Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

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

1:13  Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:

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

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

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

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

1:18  If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee any thing, put that on my account;

1:19  I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it : although I do not say to thee that thou owest to me even thy own self besides.

1:20  Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord.

1:21  Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

1:22  But at the same time prepare for me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

1:23  There greet thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

1:24  Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellowlabourers.

1:25  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.