Greetings from Paul and Timothy
(Philippians 1:1–2; Colossians 1:1–2)

1PAUL, imprisoned of Jesus Christ, Timothy the brother, to Philemon, dearly beloved, and cooperating, 2And to the dearly beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the church in thy house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon’s Faith and Love

4I thank my God, always making remembrance of thee in my prayers, 5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast to the Lord Jesus, and to all the holy; 6So that the mutual participation of thy faith might be effective in acknowledgment of every good in you to Christ Jesus. 7For we have much grace and consolation upon thy love, for the bowels of the holy are refreshed by thee, brother.

Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus

8Wherefore, having much freedom of speech in Christ to enjoin thee what concerns thee, 9By love I beseech rather, being such as Paul an aged man, and now also the imprisoned of Jesus Christ.

10I beseech thee for my child whom I begat in my bonds, Onesimus. 11Once unprofitable to thee, but now more profitable to thee and to me: 12Whom I sent back: and thou him, that is, my bowels, receive again: 13Whom I was wishing to retain to myself, that for thee he might serve me in the bonds of the good news: 14But without thy judgment I would do nothing; that good might not be as according to necessity, but according to free will. 15For perhaps therefore he was separated for a time, that thou mightest receive him forever; 16No more as a servant, but above a servant, a dearly beloved brother, especially to me, and how much rather to thee, also in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17If therefore thou hold me a participator, receive him in addition as me. 18And if he injured thee any, or is indebted, charge this to me. 19I Paul wrote with my hand, I will pay back: that I say not to thee, for thou owest thyself to me also in addition. 20Yea, brother, may I be profited by thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote to thee, knowing that thou wilt do above what I say to thee.

22And at the same time also prepare for me a reception as a guest: for I hope that by your prayers I shall be given as a favor to you.

Additional Greetings

23Epaphras greets thee, my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus; 24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my co-workers.

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