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1Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy the brother, to Philemon our beloved and co-worker, 2 and to Apphia, our beloved sister, and to Archippus our companion, and to your house church: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God, always remembering you in my prayers, 5hearing of your love and faith which you have for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6so that the fellowship of your faith may be active in the knowledge of all good things among you in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and comfort in your love, because by you, brother, the hearts of the saints have been at rest.

8Therefore, having great boldness in Christ to command you what is due, 9 out of love I ask no other than I, Paul the Elder, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ; 10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I bore in my bonds: 11he was once fit for thee, but now he is fit for thee and me; I return it; 12Receive him as my heart. 13I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might serve me in chains in your place for the gospel. 14But without your consent, I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be forced, but voluntary. 15For perhaps he has gone away for a time, so that you may receive him forever, 16not as a servant, but above a servant, a beloved brother, especially to me, and how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17Therefore, if you have fellowship with me, receive it as me. 18But if he has wronged you in any way, or if he owes you, consider it on me. 19I, Paul, have written with my own hand, I will weep; I do not tell you that you owe me yourself. 20So, brother, let me take advantage of you in the Lord; Rest my heart in the Lord. 21Trusting in your obedience, I have written to you, knowing that you will do more than I say. 22And together prepare a room for me; for I hope that through your prayers I will be granted to you.

23Epaphras greets you, a prisoner with me for Christ Jesus' sake, 24Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.

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