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.
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow laborerand to Apphia, most beloved sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in your houseGrace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus ChristI give thanks to my God, always keeping remembrance of you in my prayers(for I am hearing of your charity and faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus and with all the saintsso that the participation of your faith may become evident by the recognition of every good work which is in you in Christ JesusFor I have found great joy and consolation in your charity, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brotherBecause of this, I have enough confidence in Christ Jesus to command you concerning certain thingsbut 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 ChristI beg you, on behalf of my son, whom I have begotten in my chains, OnesimusIn times past, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to me and to youSo I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heartI 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 GospelBut 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 willinglySo perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternityno 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 LordTherefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would meBut if he has harmed you in any way, or if he is in your debt, charge it to meI, 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 meSo it is, brother. May I delight with you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in ChristI have written to you, trusting in your obedience, knowing, too, that you will do even more than what I sayBut also, at once, prepare a lodging for me. For I am hoping, through your prayers, to present myself to youGreet Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesusand Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my helpersMay the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen
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