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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon the beloved and fellow laborer, Philemon 1:1

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and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. Philemon 1:2

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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:3

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I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, Philemon 1:4

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hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, Philemon 1:5

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that the fellowship of your faith may operate in a full knowledge of every good thing in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:6

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For we have great joy and consolation over your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Philemon 1:7

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Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to enjoin you to do the fitting thing; Philemon 1:8

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rather through love I entreat, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Philemon 1:9

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I entreat you for my child Onesimus, whom I have fathered in my bonds, Philemon 1:10

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he who was once worthless to you, but now useful to you and to me; whom I sent back to you. Philemon 1:11

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Even receive him, that is, my own heart, Philemon 1:12

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whom I resolved to retain with myself, so that for you he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel. Philemon 1:13

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But without your consent I was willing to do nothing, that your good should not be of necessity, but willingly. Philemon 1:14

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For perhaps because of this he was separated from you for an hour, that you should receive him eternally, Philemon 1:15

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not now as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Philemon 1:16

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If then you have me as a partner, receive him as me. Philemon 1:17

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If he has wronged you or owes you in anything, put that on my account. Philemon 1:18

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I, Paul, wrote it with my own hand; I will repay, that I do not say to you that you owe even yourself to me also. Philemon 1:19

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Yes, brother, that I may have your help in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord. Philemon 1:20

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Trusting to your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. Philemon 1:21

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But at once prepare lodging for me, for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you. Philemon 1:22

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Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, Philemon 1:23

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and also Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-laborers. Philemon 1:24

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May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philemon 1:25

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