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Philemon

A personal letter appealing for the reconciliation and freedom of a converted slave.

Chapter 1

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1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

*Paul, a captive for Jesus, and Timothy, our brother, greet Philemon, our dear friend and partner in work.

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

*And to dear Apphia, and Archippus, our fellow fighter, and to the church meeting at your home:

3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Greetings to you with kindness and calmness, from our loving Father God and the Savior Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

*I thank God, often talking about you in my prayers.

5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

*Upon learning about your love and trust for Jesus, as well as your feelings towards all holy people.

6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

*So that your belief can be truly helpful, recognize all the good things within you because of Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

*We are very happy and comforted by your love, because you make the hearts of good people feel better, friend.

8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

*So, even though I am confident in Christ to suggest something helpful to you,

9 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.

*Please, for love, ask me gently, as I am like the old Paul and am now also a prisoner because of Jesus.

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

*I ask you for my son Onesimus, who I had while being held captive.

11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

*Which used to be useless for you, but now is useful for both of us.

12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

*Receive the one I sent back, for he is like my very insides.

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

*The person I wanted to keep with me could have served me instead of you, helping me with the duties of the gospel while I was bound.

14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

*I can't do anything without your mind. It's not because it has to be done, but because I want to help you.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

*He might have left for a while so you can welcome him forever.

16 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?

*Not as a servant now, but higher than a servant, a dear brother, especially to me, but even more so to you, in both body and in the Lord.

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

*If you consider me a partner, then accept him just like you would accept me.

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

*If he hurt you or owes you something, consider it as if I owe it to you.

19 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.

*I, Paul, wrote this myself and I will pay you back. Although I'm not saying exactly how you owe me your very self in addition to that.

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

*Yes, friend, let me experience happiness with you through the Lord: renew my inner strength through the Lord.

21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

*I believe you'll follow my instructions, so I wrote to you, because I know you'll go beyond what I ask.

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

*But at the same time, make a place for me to stay too; because I believe that through your prayers, I will be handed over to you.

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

*Epaphras greets you, my friend who is imprisoned with me in following Christ Jesus.

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

*My friends, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, who work together with me.

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

*May the kindness of our Lord Jesus bless you. Yes, indeed.

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