Philemon

Click for Audio

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother,

unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier,

and to the church in thy house:

3 Grace to 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,

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

6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging

of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love,

because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

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

9 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.

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

11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable,

but now profitable to thee and to me:

12 Whom I have sent again:

thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13 Whom I would have retained with me,

that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14 But without thy mind would I do nothing;

that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season,

that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16 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?

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

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought,

put that on mine account;

19 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.

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord:

refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee,

knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging:

for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

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

Amen.

--