Were you called as a slave? It does not matter to you, but if you are able to become free, use it rather. For he who is called a slave in the Lord is a freed man of the Lord. And likewise, he who is called a free man is a slave of Christ. read more. You are bought with a price, do not be the slaves of men. Each in whatever way he was called, brothers, in this remain with God.

The salutation of Paul with my own hand.

For this cause, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you nations,

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling with which you are called,

For you know this, that no fornicator, or unclean person, or covetous one (who is an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience. read more. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

for which I am an ambassador in bonds; so that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

even as it is righteous for me to think this of you all, because you have me in your heart, inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of my grace.

What then? Nevertheless, in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. And I rejoice in this. Yet, also I will rejoice.

Slaves, obey your masters according to the flesh in all things; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

Masters, give to your slaves what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in Heaven.

praying together about us also, that God may open to us a door of the Word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I also have been bound,

Let your speech be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

along with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known to you all things here.

The salutation of Paul, by my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

The salutation of Paul, by my own hand. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon the beloved and fellow laborer,

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 the saints, read more. that the fellowship of your faith may operate in a full knowledge of every good thing in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation over your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to enjoin you to do the fitting thing; rather through love I entreat, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

rather through love I entreat, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

rather through love I entreat, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I entreat you for my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my bonds,

I entreat you for my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my bonds,

I entreat you for my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my bonds, he who was once worthless to you, but now useful to you and to me; whom I sent back to you.

he who was once worthless to you, but now useful to you and to me; whom I sent back to you.

he who was once worthless to you, but now useful to you and to me; whom I sent back to you. Even receive him, that is, my own heart,

Even receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I resolved to retain with myself, so that for you he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel.

whom I resolved to retain with myself, so that for you he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel.

whom I resolved to retain with myself, so that for you he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel. But without your consent I was willing to do nothing, that your good should not be of necessity, but willingly.

But without your consent I was willing to do nothing, that your good should not be of necessity, but willingly. For perhaps because of this he was separated from you for an hour, that you should receive him eternally, read more. not now as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

not now as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. If then you have me as a partner, receive him as me.

If then you have me as a partner, receive him as me.

I, Paul, wrote it with my own hand; I will repay, that I do not say to you that you owe even yourself to me also.

I, Paul, wrote it with my own hand; I will repay, that I do not say to you that you owe even yourself to me also. Yes, brother, that I may have your help in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.

Yes, brother, that I may have your help in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord. Trusting to your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

Trusting to your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. But at once prepare lodging for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

But at once prepare lodging for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.