1. Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow worker,
2. And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
3. Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4. I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
5. Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6. That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
7. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
8. Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to order you to do that which is proper,
9. Yet for love's sake I instead appeal to you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10. I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11. Who in time past was to you unprofitable, but now is profitable to you and to me:
12. Whom I have sent back: therefore receive him, that is, my own heart:
13. Whom I would have kept with me, that in your place he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
14. But without your approval would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as if of necessity, but willingly.
15. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever;
16. Not now as a servant, but more than a servant, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17. If you consider me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18. If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, charge that to my account;
19. I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.
20. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord.
21. Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22. But besides this prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
23. There greet you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;
24. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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