Book | Chapter | Verse | Text |
Philemon |
1 |
1 |
This letter is from Paul, in prison for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. It is written to Philemon, our much loved co-worker, |
Philemon |
1 |
2 |
and to our sister Apphia and to Archippus, a fellow soldier of the cross. I am also writing to the church that meets in your house. |
Philemon |
1 |
3 |
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. |
Philemon |
1 |
4 |
I always thank God when I pray for you, Philemon, |
Philemon |
1 |
5 |
because I keep hearing of your trust in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people. |
Philemon |
1 |
6 |
You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ. |
Philemon |
1 |
7 |
I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God's people. |
Philemon |
1 |
8 |
That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do, |
Philemon |
1 |
9 |
but because of our love, I prefer just to ask you. So take this as a request from your friend Paul, an old man, now in prison for the sake of Christ Jesus. |
Philemon |
1 |
10 |
My plea is that you show kindness to Onesimus. I think of him as my own son because he became a believer as a result of my ministry here in prison. |
Philemon |
1 |
11 |
Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. |
Philemon |
1 |
12 |
I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. |
Philemon |
1 |
13 |
I really wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. |
Philemon |
1 |
14 |
But I didn't want to do anything without your consent. And I didn't want you to help because you were forced to do it but because you wanted to. |
Philemon |
1 |
15 |
Perhaps you could think of it this way: Onesimus ran away for a little while so you could have him back forever. |
Philemon |
1 |
16 |
He is no longer just a slave; he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord. |
Philemon |
1 |
17 |
So if you consider me your partner, give him the same welcome you would give me if I were coming. |
Philemon |
1 |
18 |
If he has harmed you in any way or stolen anything from you, charge me for it. |
Philemon |
1 |
19 |
I, Paul, write this in my own handwriting: "I will repay it." And I won't mention that you owe me your very soul! |
Philemon |
1 |
20 |
Yes, dear brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. |
Philemon |
1 |
21 |
I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more! |
Philemon |
1 |
22 |
Please keep a guest room ready for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon. |
Philemon |
1 |
23 |
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. |
Philemon |
1 |
24 |
So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers. |
Philemon |
1 |
25 |
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. |