| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker-- |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier--and to the church that meets in your home: |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus-- |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12I am sending him--who is my very heart--back to you. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever-- |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back--not to mention that you owe me your very self. |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. |
| 21[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 21Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. |
| 22[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 22And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. |
| 23[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. |
| 24[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 24And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers. |
| 25[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 25The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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