The Epistle of Paul to Philemon Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy,
our brother, unto Philemon, our dearly beloved and fellow labourer, and to our
beloved Aphia, and 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, making mention of thee always in my prayers, hearing of thy love
and faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints, that the
communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every
good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints
are refreshed by thee, brother.
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is
convenient, 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.
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds,
which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee
and to me, whom I have sent again.
Thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels, whom I would have
retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds
of the gospel.
But without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy benefit should not be,
as it were, of necessity, but willingly.
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him
forever, not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved,
especially to me.
But how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account.
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.
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord, refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Having confidence in thy obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt
also do more than I say.
But withal prepare me also a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I
shall be given unto you.
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, Marcus,
Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Amen.
Written from Rome to Philemon by Onesimus, a servant.