Philemon 1

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer,

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,

5 Hearing of your love (agape) and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

6 That the communication of your 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 your love, (agape) because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

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

9 Yet for love's (agape) sake I rather plead to you, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I plead to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11 Which in time past was to you useless, but now profitable to you and to me:

12 Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in your position he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14 But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever; (aiōnios g166)

16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

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

18 If he has wronged you, or owes you ought, put that on mine account;

19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: although it be I do not say to you how you owe unto me even your own self besides.

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.

22 But likewise prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

23 There salute you Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers.

25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (pneuma) Amen.