(Philippians 1:1–2; Colossians 1:1–2)
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Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, a brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
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and to Apphia, most beloved sister, and to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church which is in your house.
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Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon’s Faith and Love
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I give thanks to my God, always keeping remembrance of you in my prayers,
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(for I am hearing of your charity and faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus and with all the saints)
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so that the participation of your faith may become evident by the recognition of every good work which is in you in Christ Jesus.
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For I have found great joy and consolation in your charity, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
Paul’s Appeal for Onesimus
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Because of this, I have enough confidence in Christ Jesus to command you concerning certain things,
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but I beg you instead, for the sake of charity, since you are so much like Paul: an old man and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
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I beg you, on behalf of my son, whom I have begotten in my chains, Onesimus.
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In times past, he was useless to you, but now he is useful both to me and to you.
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So I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heart.
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I myself wanted to retain him with me, so that he might minister to me, on your behalf, while I am in the chains of the Gospel.
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But I was willing to do nothing without your counsel, so as not to make use of your good deed as if out of necessity, but only willingly.
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So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity,
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no longer as a servant, but, in place of a servant, a most beloved brother, especially to me: but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!(a)
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Therefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would me.
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But if he has harmed you in any way, or if he is in your debt, charge it to me.
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I, Paul, have written this with my own hand: I will repay. And I need not tell you, that you are also in debt yourself, to me.
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So it is, brother. May I delight with you in the Lord! Refresh my heart in Christ.(b)
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I have written to you, trusting in your obedience, knowing, too, that you will do even more than what I say.
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But also, at once, prepare a lodging for me. For I am hoping, through your prayers, to present myself to you.
Additional Greetings
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Greet Epaphras, my fellow captive in Christ Jesus,
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and Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my helpers.
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May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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