Chapter 1

He commends the faith and charity of Philemon; and sends back to him his fugitive servant, whom he had converted in prison.

1. 1

   Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother: to Philemon, our beloved and fellow labourer,

2. 2

   And to Appia, our dearest sister, and to Archippus, our fellow-soldier, and to the church which is in thy house.

3. 3

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

4. 4

   I give thanks to my God, always making a remembrance of thee in my prayers,

5. 5

   Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus, and towards all the saints:

6. 6

   That the communication of thy faith may be made evident in the acknowledgment of every good work, which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7. 7

   For I have had great joy and consolation in thy charity: because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.

8. 8

   Wherefore, having much confidence in Christ Jesus to command thee that which is to the purpose:

9. 9

   For charity sake I rather beseech, thou being such a one, as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ:

10. 10

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

11. 11

    Who heretofore was unprofitable to thee, but now profitable both to me and to thee.

12. 12

    Whom I have sent back to thee. And do thou receive him as my own bowels:

13. 13

    Whom I would have retained with me, that for thee he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel:

14. 14

    But without thy counsel I would do nothing, that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.

15. 15

    For perhaps he, therefore, departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him for ever:

16. 16

    Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me: but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17. 17

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

18. 18

    And if he hath wronged thee in any thing, or is in thy debt: put it to my account.

19. 19

    I, Paul, have written with my own hand: I will repay it: not to say to thee, that thou owest me thy own self also.

20. 20

    Yea, brother; may I enjoy thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21. 21

    Trusting in thy obedience, I have written to thee: knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say.

22. 22

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

23. 23

    Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, salutes thee,

24. 24

    Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow-labourers.

25. 25

    The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.