CHAPTER 1

^1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: ^1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ^1:4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, ^1:5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; ^1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. ^1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. ^1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, ^1:9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. ^1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: ^1:11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: ^1:12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: ^1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: ^1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. ^1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; ^1:16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? ^1:17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. ^1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account; ^1:19 I Paul have written [it] 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. ^1:20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. ^1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. ^1:22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. ^1:23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; ^1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. ^1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen. <¶ Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus, a servant.>