1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer,

2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house:

3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all saints;

6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8Wherefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient.

9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee , being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11Who in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:

13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:

14But without thy mind I would do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldst receive him for ever;

16Not 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?

17If thou accountest me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on my account;

19I 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.

20Yes, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

22But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;

24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow-laborers.

25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.