Philemon 1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ, writes to Philemon, a fellow laborer, expressing gratitude for his charity and faith. He asks Philemon to receive Onesimus, a former slave who has become a Christian, as a beloved brother, rather than a servant. Paul offers to repay any debt Onesimus may owe Philemon, and asks him to prepare a lodging for him, hoping to visit soon. Paul closes by sending greetings from his fellow workers and wishing Philemon the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer2and to Apphia, most beloved sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in your house3Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ4I give thanks to my God, always keeping remembrance of you in my prayers5(for I am hearing of your charity and faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus and with all the saints6so that the participation of your faith may become evident by the recognition of every good work which is in you in Christ Jesus7For I have found great joy and consolation in your charity, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother8Because of this, I have enough confidence in Christ Jesus to command you concerning certain things9but I beg you instead, for the sake of charity, since you are so much like Paul: an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ10I beg you, on behalf of my son, whom I have begotten in my chains, Onesimus11In times past, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to me and to you12So I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heart13I myself wanted to retain him with me, so that he might minister to me, on your behalf, while I am in the chains of the Gospel14But I was willing to do nothing without your counsel, so as not to make use of your good deed as if out of necessity, but only willingly15So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity16no longer as a servant, but, in place of a servant, a most beloved brother, especially to me: but how much so more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord17Therefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would me18But if he has harmed you in any way, or if he is in your debt, charge it to me19I, Paul, have written this with my own hand: I will repay. And I need not tell you, that you are also in debt yourself, to me20So it is, brother. May I delight with you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ21I have written to you, trusting in your obedience, knowing, too, that you will do even more than what I say22But also, at once, prepare a lodging for me. For I am hoping, through your prayers, to present myself to you23Greet Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesus24and Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my helpers25May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen
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