Were you called, being a slave? care not for it; but, even if you can become free, use it rather. For he that was called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord's freedman: likewise, he that was called, being free, is Christ's slave. read more. Ye were bought with a price; become not slaves of men. Brethren, let each one abide with God in the same condition in which he was called.

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

For this cause I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you gentiles,

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

For this ye know, assuredly, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man (who is an idolater), has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words; for, because of these things, comes the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. read more. Do not, therefore, become partakers with them; for ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

even as it is right for me to think this in behalf of you all; because ye have me in your heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, all of you being partakers with me of the grace.

What then? save that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

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

Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.

at the same time praying for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ (because of which I have also become bound),

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

together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will make known to you all things here.

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

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

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, to Philemon, our beloved and fellow-worker,

I give thanks to my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, hearing of your love and the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; read more. that the fellowship of your faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing in you, for Christ. For I had much joy and consolation on account of your love, because the tender affections of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Wherefore, though having much boldness in Christ to enjoin upon you that which is becoming, yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus:

yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus:

yet for love's sake I rather exhort, being such a one as Paul an aged man, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus: I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus,

I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus,

I beseech you for my child, whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus, who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me;

who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me;

who at one time was unprofitable to you, but now profitable to you and to me; whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart;

whom I sent back to you, in his own person, that is, my very heart; whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;

whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;

whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel; but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice.

but, without your consent, I was willing to do nothing; that your beneficence might not be by necessity, but by choice. For, perhaps, he departed for a season for this reason, that you might have him back forever; read more. no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!

no longer as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord! If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself.

If, therefore, you hold me as a partner, receive him as myself.

I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides.

I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it; that I say not to you, that you owe me even your own self besides. Yea, brother, I would have joy of you in the Lord! refresh my tender affections in Christ.

Yea, brother, I would have joy of you in the Lord! refresh my tender affections in Christ. Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Having confidence in your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.

But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.

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