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Philemon
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Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon
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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother,
unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
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And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier,
and to the church in thy house:
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Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ.
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I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
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Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the
Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
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That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by
the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in
Christ Jesus.
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For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because
the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
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whom he asks to forgive his servant Onesimus, and to receive him again in Christian love
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Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin
thee that which is convenient,
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Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one
as Paul the aged, and now also aprisoner of Jesus Christ.
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I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten
in my bonds:
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Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable
to thee and to me:
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Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is,
mine own bowels:
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Onesimus could have helped by staying with Paul
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Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he
might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
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But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit
should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
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For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou
shouldest receive him for ever;
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Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved,
specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the
flesh, and in the Lord?
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If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
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Who will assume responsibility for his debts
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If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on
mine account;
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I Paul have written it 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.
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Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh
my bowels in the Lord.
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The apostle's confidence in Philemon
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Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing
that thou wilt also do more than I say.
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But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that
through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
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There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
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Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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