Philemon 1:1-25 KJ21

[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, Unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, [2] and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house: [3] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [4] I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, [5] having heard of thy love and faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints, [6] that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. [7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. [8] Therefore, though I might be bold enough in Christ to enjoin thee to do that which is befitting, [9] yet for love's sake rather I beseech thee, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. [10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds. [11] In time past he was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me. [12] I am sending him back. Thou therefore receive him, who is mine own heart. [13] I would have retained him with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel; [14] but without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy goodness should not be, as it were, of necessity but willingly. [15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him back for ever- [16] not now as a servant, but more than a servant: as a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord. [17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. [18] If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught, put that on mine account. [19] I, Paul, have written this 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] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord; refresh my soul in the Lord. [21] Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. [22] But besides prepare me also a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. [23] There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; [24] also Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow laborers. [25] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.