{1:1} Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer,
{1:2} And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:
{1:3} Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
{1:4} I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
{1:5} Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all saints;
{1:6} That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
{1:7} For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
{1:8} Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient.
{1:9} Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
{1:10} I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
{1:11} Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
{1:12} Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:
{1:13} Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
{1:14} But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
{1:15} For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever;
{1:16} Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
{1:17} If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
{1:18} If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on my account;
{1:19} I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to thee that thou owest to me even thy own self besides.
{1:20} Yes, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
{1:21} Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
{1:22} But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
{1:23} There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;
{1:24} Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-laborers.
{1:25} The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.