1   Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timotheus a brother, to Philemon the beloved and our fellow-labourer, ^note 2   And to the beloved Apphia, ^note and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church which is in thy house: 3   Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4   I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, (Hearing ^note of thy faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, 5   and love 6   toward all saints) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual, by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you through Christ Jesus. ^note 7   For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints ^note are refreshed by thee, brother. 8   Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ, to enjoin thee what is convenient, 9   Yet out of love I rather beseech thee, ^note being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10   I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds, ^note Onesimus, Who was formerly unprofitable to thee, 11   but now profitable ^note to thee and me, Whom I have sent again: 12   thou therefore receive him,

that is my own bowels: ^note 13   Whom I would have retained with me, to serve me in thy stead, ^note in the bonds of the gospel. 14   But I would do nothing without thy consent; that thy good deed might not be, as it were, by constraint, ^note but willingly. 15   And perhaps for this end was he separated for a season, that thou mightest have him for ever; ^note 16   No longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me; and how much more to thee, both in the flesh ^note and in the Lord? 17   If therefore thou accountest me a partner, ^note receive him as myself. 18   If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee any thing, put that to my account. 19   I Paul have written with my own hand; I will repay it; ^note not to say unto thee, that thou owest also thyself to me besides. 20   Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in Christ. ^note 21   Having confidence of thy obedience I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say. 22   Withal prepare me also a lodging; for I trust I shall be given to you through your prayers. 23   Epaphras my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus saluteth you, 24   Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-labourers. 25   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

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