Prayer of Thanksgiving for Philemon

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow worker,

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

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

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

5 Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

6 That the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

Paul's Petition for Onisimus

8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to order you to do that which is proper,

9 Yet for love's sake I instead appeal to you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11 Who in time past was to you unprofitable, but now is profitable to you and to me:

12 Whom I have sent back: therefore receive him, that is, my own heart:

13 Whom I would have kept with me, that in your place he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:

14 But without your approval would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as if of necessity, but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever;

16 Not now as a servant, but more than a servant, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

Paul's Promise to Philemon

17 If you consider me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18 If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, charge that to my account;

19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides.

20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord.

21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.

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

23 There greet you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

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