BOOK OF PHILEMON
1 Paul (a prisoner of Yesseus Christ) and Timothy (our brother) unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus (our fellow soldier), and to the church in thy house:
3 Grace to you, and peace, from God (our Father) and the Lord (Yesseus 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 Yesseus, 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 Yesseus.
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 Yesseus 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 fellow prisoner) in Christ Yesseus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
25 The grace (of our Lord) Yesseus Christ be with your spirit.Â
Amen.