Wast thou called being a slave, care not for it; but even if thou canst be made free, use it rather. For he that was called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lords freeman. In like manner the freeman, who is called, is Christs slave. read more. Ye were bought with a price; become not the slaves of men. In that state, brethren, in which he was called, let every one remain with God.

The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand.

For this cause [I bend my knees], I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you gentiles;

I exhort you, therefore, I the prisoner in the Lord, to walk worthily of the calling with which ye were called,

For of this ye are sure, since ye know that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with vain words; for because of these things the wrath of God cometh upon the sons of disobedience. read more. Be not therefore partakers with them. For ye were once darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth,

in behalf of which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may proclaim it boldly, as I ought to speak.

even as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, all of you being sharers of the grace bestowed on me.

What then? Notwithstanding, in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and therein do I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord.

Masters, deal out to your bondservants justice and equity, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven.

praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for the sake of which I am also in bonds;

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every one.

together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will inform you of every thing here.

The salutation by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

The salutation by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy the brother, to Philemon our beloved friend and fellowlaborer,

I thank my God at all times, making mention of thee in my prayers, hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; read more. that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us, for Christ Jesus. For we have great thankfulness and comfort on account of thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother. Wherefore, though I have much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon thee that which is befitting, yet for loves sake I beseech thee rather; being such a one as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

yet for loves sake I beseech thee rather; being such a one as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

yet for loves sake I beseech thee rather; being such a one as Paul an old man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, I beseech thee for my child, whom I begot in my bonds, Onesimus;

I beseech thee for my child, whom I begot in my bonds, Onesimus;

I beseech thee for my child, whom I begot in my bonds, Onesimus; who in time past was unprofitable to thee, but is now profitable to thee and to me;

who in time past was unprofitable to thee, but is now profitable to thee and to me;

who in time past was unprofitable to thee, but is now profitable to thee and to me; whom I have sent back; and do thou [receive] him, that is, my own flesh.

whom I have sent back; and do thou [receive] him, that is, my own flesh. Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel;

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel;

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the gospel; but I chose to do nothing without thy consent, that thy benefit may be not as from necessity, but willingly.

but I chose to do nothing without thy consent, that thy benefit may be not as from necessity, but willingly. For perhaps he was separated from thee for a season to this end, that thou shouldst receive him back as thine for ever; read more. no longer as a bondservant, but above a bondservant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord!

no longer as a bondservant, but above a bondservant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord! If thou then regardest me as a partner, receive him as myself.

If thou then regardest me as a partner, receive him as myself.

I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it; not to say to thee, that to me thou owest even thy own self besides.

I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it; not to say to thee, that to me thou owest even thy own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Having confidence in thy obedience I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say.

Having confidence in thy obedience I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do even more than I say. And at the same time make ready a lodging for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

And at the same time make ready a lodging for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.