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Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,
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And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your 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 you always in my prayers,
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Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
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That the sharing of your faith may become effective 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 your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.
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Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you that which is required,
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Yet for love's sake I rather beseech you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
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I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
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Who in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me:
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Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, my own heart:
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Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
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But without your consent would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
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For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him forever;
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Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
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If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
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If he has wronged you, or owes you anything, put that on my account;
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I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: nevertheless I do not say to you how you owe me even your own self besides.
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Yea, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord.
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Having confidence in your obedience I wrote unto you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.
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At the same time prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
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There greet you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;
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Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.