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¹ Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timotheus a brother, to Philemon the beloved and our fellow-labourer,

² And to the beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church which is in thy house:

³ Grace be unto 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, (Hearing of thy faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,

⁵ and love

⁶ toward all saints) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual, by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you through 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 what is convenient,

⁹ Yet out of love I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also the prisoner of Jesus Christ.

¹⁰ I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds, Onesimus, Who was formerly unprofitable to thee,

¹¹ but now profitable to thee and me, Whom I have sent again:

¹² thou therefore receive him, that is my own bowels:

¹³ Whom I would have retained with me, to serve me in thy stead, in the bonds of the gospel.

¹⁴ But I would do nothing without thy consent; that thy good deed might not be, as it were, by constraint, but willingly.

¹⁵ And perhaps for this end was he separated for a season, that thou mightest have him for ever;

¹⁶ No longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me; and how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?

¹⁷ If therefore thou accountest me a partner, receive him as myself.

¹⁸ If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee any thing, put that to my account.

¹⁹ I Paul have written with my own hand; I will repay it; not to say unto thee, that thou owest also thyself to me besides.

²⁰ Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in Christ.

²¹ Having confidence of thy obedience I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say.

²² Withal prepare me also a lodging; for I trust I shall be given to you through your prayers.

²³ Epaphras my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus saluteth you,

²⁴ Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-labourers.

²⁵ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.