RKJNT - Philemon

Chapter 1

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

1:2  And to our sister 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 always, making mention of you in my prayers,

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

1:6  And I pray that the sharing of your faith may promote the knowledge of every good thing which is ours in Christ Jesus.

1:7  For we have great joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

1:8  Therefore, though I could be bold in Christ and order you that which is proper,

1:9  Yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you, I, Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

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

1:11  Who in times past was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me.

1:12  I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart,

1:13  Whom I would have kept with me, that in your place he might have ministered to me while I am in these bonds for the gospel:

1:14  But without your consent I did not want to do anything; that your benevolence should not be, as it were, of necessity, but willingly.

1:15  For perhaps he was parted from you for a while for this reason, that you should have him back forever;

1:16  No longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

1:17  Therefore, if you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.

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

1:19  I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it: to say nothing of how you owe to me even your own self as well.

1:20  Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.

1:21  Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

1:22  At the same time prepare me a guest room: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

1:23  Greetings to you from Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

1:24  And from Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow labourers.

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