Paul writes to Philemon, praising his love and faith, and appeals on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become like a son to Paul. He asks Philemon to receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother, and offers to repay any debt.
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 .