CHAPTER 1 **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. ¶ Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus, a servant.