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Chapter 1
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1
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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother,
unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, |
2
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And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier,
and to the church in thy house: |
3
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Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ. |
4
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I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my
prayers, |
5
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Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward
the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; |
6
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That the communication of thy faith may become effectual
by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in
you in Christ Jesus. |
7
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For we have great joy and consolation in thy love,
because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee,
brother. |
8
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Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to
enjoin thee that which is convenient, |
9
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Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such
an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus
Christ. |
10
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I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten
in my bonds: |
11
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Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now
profitable to thee and to me: |
12
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Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him,
that is, mine own bowels: |
13
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Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead
he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the
gospel: |
14
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But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit
should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. |
15
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For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that
thou shouldest receive him for ever; |
16
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Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother
beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee,
both in the flesh, and in the Lord? |
17
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If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as
myself. |
18
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If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that
on mine account; |
19
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I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay
it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me
even thine own self besides. |
20
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Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord:
refresh my bowels in the Lord. |
21
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Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee,
knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. |
22
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But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that
through your prayers I shall be given unto you. |
23
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There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ
Jesus; |
24
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Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. |
25
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Amen. |
