Philemon 1, verse 1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, Philemon 1, verse 2. to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Philemon 1, verse 3. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Commendation of Philemon
Philemon 1, verse 4. I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, Philemon 1, verse 5. hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, Philemon 1, verse 6. that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1, verse 7. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
Plea for Onesimus
Philemon 1, verse 8. Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, Philemon 1, verse 9. yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you —being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ— Philemon 1, verse 10. I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains, Philemon 1, verse 11. who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me. Philemon 1, verse 12. I am sending him back. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, Philemon 1, verse 13. whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel. Philemon 1, verse 14. But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary. Philemon 1, verse 15. For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, Philemon 1, verse 16. no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 1, verse 17. If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. Philemon 1, verse 18. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. Philemon 1, verse 19. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. Philemon 1, verse 20. Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. Philemon 1, verse 21. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. Philemon 1, verse 22. But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
Personal Request, Greetings, and Benediction
Philemon 1, verse 23. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, Philemon 1, verse 24. as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers. Philemon 1, verse 25. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.