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1:1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved friend and fellow laborer,
1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:
1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
1:5 Because I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints.
1:6 I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective to the understanding of every good thing that is ours in Christ Jesus.
1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
1:8 Therefore, though I could be very bold in Christ, to charge you to do what is fitting,
1:9 Yet for love's sake I would rather plead with you, as Paul, an old man, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
1:10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains,
1:11 Who was previously unprofitable to you, but is now profitable to you and to me,
1:12 Whom I have sent to you again. Therefore receive him, who is from my own heart;
1:13 Whom I would have liked to retained with me, that, in your place, he might have ministered to me in my chains of imprisonment for the gospel.
1:14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your kindness would not be the result of pressure, but by choice.
1:15 For perhaps he was separated from you for awhile, so that you might have him back forever,
1:16 No longer as a slave, but above a slave, as a beloved brother, especially dear to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord.
1:17 Therefore if you count me a partner, receive him as if he were me.
1:18 If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.
1:19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand, I will repay it; not to mention to you that you owe me your own self besides.
1:20 Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
1:21 I write to you, having confidence in your obedience, knowing that you will do more than I say.
1:22 But meanwhile, also prepare me a guest room, because I trust that through your prayers I will be given to you.
1:23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, salutes you,
1:24 Also, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen._________________________________________
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