Chapter 1

  Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,  

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  And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:  

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  Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  

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  I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,  

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  Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;  

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  That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  

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  For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.  

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  Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,  

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  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.  

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  I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:  

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  Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:  

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  Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:  

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  Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:  

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  But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.  

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  For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;  

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  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?  

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  If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.  

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  If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account;  

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  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.  

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  Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.  

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  Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.  

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  But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.  

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  There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;  

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  Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.  

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  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen. [Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.]  

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