Philemon 1

Paul's Appeal for Onesimus, the Runaway Slave, and a Call for Christian Brotherhood

2 min read

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,
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 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, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
8 Why, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin you that which is convenient,
9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech you, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10 I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11 Which in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:
12 Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:
13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to 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;
16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to 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 something, put that on my account;
19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.
20 Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But with prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
23 There salute you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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