57:001:001 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother,
unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
57:001:002 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier,
and to the church in thy house:
57:001:003 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
57:001:004 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
57:001:005 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the
Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
57:001:006 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by
the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
57:001:007 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because
the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
57:001:008 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin
thee that which is convenient,
57:001:009 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.
57:001:010 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in
my bonds:
57:001:011 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now
profitable to thee and to me:
57:001:012 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is,
mine own bowels:
57:001:013 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he
might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
57:001:014 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit
should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
57:001:015 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou
shouldest receive him for ever;
57:001:016 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?
57:001:017 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
57:001:018 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on
mine account;
57:001:019 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.
57:001:020 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh
my bowels in the Lord.
57:001:021 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee,
knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
57:001:022 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that
through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
57:001:023 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ
Jesus;
57:001:024 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
57:001:025 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Amen.