(Philippians 1:1–2; Colossians 1:1–2)
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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
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And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
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Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Faith and Love
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I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
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Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
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That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
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For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
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Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
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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.
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I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
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Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
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Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
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Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
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But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
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For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
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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?
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If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
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If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
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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.
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Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
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Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
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But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Additional Greetings
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There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
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Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.