< Philemon 1 >
1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer,
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 (agape) and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6 That the communication of your 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 your love, (agape) because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to admonish you that which is convenient,
9 Yet for love's (agape) sake I rather plead to you, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10 I plead to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11 Which in time past was to you useless, but now profitable to you and to me:
12 Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in your position he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14 But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever; (aiōnios )
16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17 If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18 If he has wronged you, or owes you ought, put that on mine account;
19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: although it be I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides.
20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But likewise prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
23 There salute you Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (pneuma) Amen.
