Paul's Letter to Philemon

Philemon 1

Paul's Greeting to Philemon

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved brother and co-worker, 2 And to our beloved sister Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the congregation in your house:

3 cheerful favor and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving for Philemon’s Love and Faith
4 I thank my God for you, always making mention of you in my prayers, 5 Having heard of the love and faith you have towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all of God's holy people, 6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great cheerfulness and encouragement in your love, because the hearts of God's holy people have been refreshed by you, brother.

Paul's Plea for Onesimus

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what is right, 9 Rather, for the sake of love, I appeal to you; being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I appeal to you concerning my son, Onesimus, whom I have fathered while in my chains: 11 Who was once useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me:

12 I am sending him back to you, therefore receive him, who is my own heart: 13 I was desiring to keep him with me, that he might serve me (on your behalf) in my chains for the Good News: 14 But I didn't want to do anything without your knowing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, but according to willingness.
 

15 For perhaps for this reason, he was separated from you for a time, that you might receive him eternally; 16 No longer as a slave, but above a slave, as a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord?

Receive Him as I Myself

17 Therefore if you hold me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put this on my account; 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it: not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self also. 20 Yes, brother, that I may receive this benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you; 24 As does Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my co-workers.

25 The cheerful favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit!

Amen! (Truly!)