philemon

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy [a]our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, and to Apphia [b]our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers, hearing of [c]thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in [d]you, unto Christ. For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

Wherefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to enjoin thee that which is befitting, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech, being such a one as Paul [e]the aged, and now a prisoner also of Christ Jesus: 10 I beseech thee for my child, whom I have begotten in my bonds, [f]Onesimus, 11 who once was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable to thee and to me: 12 whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart: 13 whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the [g]gospel: 14 but without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy goodness should not be as of necessity, but of free will. 15 For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; 16 no longer as a [h]servant, but more than a [i]servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much rather to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 If then thou countest me a partner, receive him as myself. 18 But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account; 19 I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, let me have [j]joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.

21 Having confidence in thine obedience I write unto thee, knowing that thou wilt do even beyond what I say. 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted unto you.

23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, saluteth thee; 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

25 The grace of [k]our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. [l]Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Philemon 1:1 Greek the brother.
  2. Philemon 1:2 Greek the sister.
  3. Philemon 1:5 Or, thy love and faith
  4. Philemon 1:6 Many ancient authorities read us.
  5. Philemon 1:9 Or, an ambassador, and now etc.
  6. Philemon 1:10 The Greek word means Helpful. Compare verse 20 margin.
  7. Philemon 1:13 Greek good tidings. See marginal note on Mt. 4:23.
  8. Philemon 1:16 Greek bondservant.
  9. Philemon 1:16 Greek bondservant.
  10. Philemon 1:20 Or, help. Compare verse 10 margin.
  11. Philemon 1:25 Some ancient authorities read the.
  12. Philemon 1:25 Many ancient authorities omit Amen.