|
Onesimus Returns to Philemon with Paul's Letter1-11
|
1
|
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus
Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and
fellowlabourer, |
|
2
|
And to
our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and
to the
church in thy house: |
|
3
|
Grace
to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
|
|
4
|
I thank my God, making
mention of thee always in my prayers, |
|
5
|
Hearing of thy love and faith,
which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; |
|
6
|
That the communication of thy
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 thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed
by
thee, brother. |
|
8
|
Wherefore,
though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is
convenient, |
|
9
|
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. |
|
10
|
I beseech thee for my son
Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: |
|
11
|
Which in time past was to thee
unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: |
|
12
|
Whom I have sent again: thou
therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: |
|
13
|
Whom I would have retained with
me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of
the
gospel: |
|
14
|
But without thy
mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of
necessity, but willingly. |
|
15
|
For perhaps he therefore departed
for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; |
|
16
|
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? |
|
17
|
If thou count me therefore a
partner, receive him as myself. |
|
18
|
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth
thee ought, put that on mine account; |
|
19
|
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. |
|
20
|
Yea, brother, let me have joy of
thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
|
|
21
|
Having confidence in
thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more
than
I say. |
|
22
|
But withal prepare
me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be
given
unto you.
|
|
23
|
There salute thee
Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; |
|
24
|
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas,
Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
|
|
25
|
The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
|
|