Epistle of Paul to Philemon
Chapter 1

Philemon commended--Master and servant are one in Christ

1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy, our brother, unto Philemon, our dearly beloved and fellow laborer,

1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus, our fellow soldier, 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 a 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 forever,

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 aught, 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 fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

1:24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers.

1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus, a servant.