1 Scroll 48 Epistle to Philemon.
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved, and fellow-worker,
2 and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the Church in Thy house.
3 Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God, making mention of Thee always in my prayers,
5 hearing of Thy love and the faith, which Thou have towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all Saints;
6 that the fellowship of Thy faith may become effective by the knowledge of every good thing which is in you in Jesus Christ.
7 For we have much joy and consolation in Thy love, because the bowels of the Saints are refreshed by Thee, brother.
8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ having to enjoin Thee that which is fitting.
9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech Thee, being such one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
10
I beseech Thee for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11 who in time past was to Thee unprofitable, but now profitable to Thee and to me:
12 whom I have sent: Thou therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels:
13 whom I would have retained with me, that in Thy stead he might serves to me in the bonds of the Gospel:
14 but without Thy mind I would do nothing; that Thy goodness may not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15
For perhaps for this he was separated for an hour, that Thou may receive him everlasting;
16 not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved,
especially to me, but how much more to Thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17 If Thou account me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18 But if he has wronged Thee, or owes Thee aught, put that on my account.
19
I Paul wrote it with my own hand, I will repay it: although I may not say to Thee that Thou own also Thyself to me besides.
20
Yes, brother, may I have profit of Thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21 Having been confidence in Thy obedience I wrote to Thee, knowing that Thou will also do more than I may say.
22 But at the same time prepare me also a lodging; for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
23 There salute Thee Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus;
24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen!