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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy [our] brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
(1:1)
And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
(1:2)
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
(1:3)
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
(1:4)
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
(1:5)
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus
(1:6)
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother
(1:7)
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
(1:8)
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
(1:9)
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
(1:10)
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
(1:11)
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
(1:12)
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
(1:13)
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly
(1:14)
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
(1:15)
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?
(1:16)
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself
(1:17)
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth [thee] ought, put that on mine account;
(1:18)
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
(1:19)
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord
(1:20)
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say
(1:21)
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you
(1:22)
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
(1:23)
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers
(1:24)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen
(1:25)
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