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[1]Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer,
[2]And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:
[3]Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[4]I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
[5]Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all saints;
[6]That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
[7]For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
[8]Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient.
[9]Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
[10]I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
[11]Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
[12]Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:
[13]Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
[14]But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
[15]For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever;
[16]Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
[17]If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
[18]If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on my account;
[19]I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to thee that thou owest to me even thy own self besides.
[20]Yes, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
[21]Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
[22]But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.
[23]There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;
[24]Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-laborers.
[25]The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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