Philemon 1

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

2 and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5 having heard of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints,

6 that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8 Therefore, though I might be bold enough in Christ to enjoin thee to do that which is befitting,

9 yet for love's sake rather I beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

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

11 In time past he was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.

12 I am sending him back. Thou therefore receive him, who is mine own heart.

13 I would have retained him with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel;

14 but without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy goodness should not be, as it were, of necessity but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him back for ever--

16 not now as a servant, but more than a servant: as a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

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

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account.

19 I, Paul, have written this 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.

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord; refresh my soul in the Lord.

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

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

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

24 also Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow laborers.

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