Philemon1

Paul, a prisoner, writes to Philemon, commending his faith and love toward the Lord Jesus and all saints. He then appeals on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway servant whom Paul has converted during his imprisonment. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a servant, but as a beloved brother in Christ, offering to repay any debt Onesimus might owe.

Salutation and Recipients

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Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timotheus the brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker,
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and Apphia the beloved, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the assembly in thy house:
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Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Paul's Love for Philemon

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I give thanks to my God, always making mention of thee in my prayers,
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hearing of thy love and faith that thou hast unto the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
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that the fellowship of thy faith may become working in the full knowledge of every good thing that is in you toward Christ Jesus;
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for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

The Appeal for Onesimus

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Wherefore, having in Christ much boldness to command thee that which is fit--
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because of the love I rather entreat, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ;
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I entreat thee concerning my child--whom I did beget in my bonds--Onesimus,
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who once was to thee unprofitable, and now is profitable to me and to thee,
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whom I did send again, and thou him (that is, my own bowels) receive,
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whom I did wish to retain to myself, that in thy behalf he might minister to me in the bonds of the good news,
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and apart from thy mind I willed to do nothing, that as of necessity thy good deed may not be, but of willingness,
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for perhaps because of this he did depart for an hour, that age-duringly thou mayest have him,
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no more as a servant, but above a servant--a brother beloved, especially to me, and how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord!
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If, then, with me thou hast fellowship, receive him as me,
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and if he did hurt to thee, or doth owe anything, this to me be reckoning;
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I, Paul did write with my hand, I--I will repay; that I may not say that also thyself, besides, to me thou dost owe.
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Yes, brother, may I have profit of thee in the Lord; refresh my bowels in the Lord;

Concluding Assurance and Greetings

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having been confident in thy obedience I did write to thee, having known that also above what I may say thou wilt do;
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and at the same time also prepare for me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
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Salute thee doth Epaphras, (my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus,)
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Markus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lukas, my fellow-workmen!
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit! Amen.
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