Philemon
Summary
Paul writes this personal and persuasive letter to Philemon, a fellow worker and leader in the Colossian church, on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a believer while with Paul in prison. He Appeals to Philemon's love and character, asking him to receive Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a "beloved brother," both in the flesh and in the Lord. Paul offer to repay any debt Onesimus might owe and expresses his confidence in Philemon's obedience, even suggesting that Philemon will do more than he asks. The letter concludes with greetings from Paul's fellow workers in Rome.
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in your house:
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints;
That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
Therefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to command you that which is convenient,
Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Who in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:
Whom I have sent again; you therefore receive him, that is, my own heart.
Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him forever;
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account;
I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.
Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord.
Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.
But also prepare me a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
There greets you Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.