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