1 PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy the brother, to the beloved. Philemon and our fellow-laborer,
2 and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly at your house.
4 I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers,
5 hearing of your love and faith which you have for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,
6 that your participation of the faith may be made effectual by a knowledge of all the good which we have in Christ Jesus.
7 For I have great joy and comfort in your love, because the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
8 Wherefore, having great boldness to command you what is fit,
9 on account of love I rather request; being such as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,
10 I request you for my son Onesimus, whom I obtained in my bonds,
11 who was formerly not useful to you but is now most useful to you and me,
12 whom I have sent back. And do you receive him, that is, my soul,
13 whom I should like to retain for myself, that he might serve me for you in the bonds of the gospel,
14 but without your consent I will do nothing, that your service may not be compulsory but voluntary;
15 for perhaps he has been separated from you for a time that you may have him back forever,
16 no longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If therefore you regard me as a friend receive him as myself.
18 If he injured you, or owes you any thing, set it to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written with my hand; I will pay; not to tell you that you owe yourself to me.
20 Yes, brother, let me be profited by you in the Lord; refresh my soul in Christ.
21 I have written to you, having confidence in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than I say.
22 But at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.