Book 57	Philemon



001:001 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother,

        unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,



001:002 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier,

        and to the church in thy house:



001:003 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord

        Jesus Christ.



001:004 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,



001:005 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord

        Jesus, and toward all saints;



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.



001:007 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the

        bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.



001:008 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin

        thee that which is convenient,



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.



001:010 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my

        bonds:



001:011 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now

        profitable to thee and to me:



001:012 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is,

        mine own bowels:



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:



001:014 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit

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



001:015 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou

        shouldest receive him for ever;



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?



001:017 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.



001:018 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine

        account;



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.



001:020 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my

        bowels in the Lord.



001:021 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing

        that thou wilt also do more than I say.



001:022 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through

        your prayers I shall be given unto you.



001:023 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;



001:024 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.



001:025 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.


End Philemon