PHILEMON Chapter 1 (GNB)

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1:1   From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy--- To our friend and fellow worker Philemon,

1:2   and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus:

1:3   May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

1:4   Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God.

1:5   For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus.

1:6   My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ.

1:7   Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people.

1:8   For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done.

1:9   But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake.

1:10   So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father.

1:11   At one time he was of no use to you, but now he is useful both to you and to me.

1:12   I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart.

1:13   I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place.

1:14   However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.

1:15   It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time.

1:16   And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

1:17   So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me.

1:18   If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account.

1:19   Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back. (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.)

1:20   So, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!

1:21   I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask---in fact I know that you will do even more.

1:22   At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you.

1:23 Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings,

1:24   and so do my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.

1:25   May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

CHAPTER ENDS

PHILEMON ENDS