Greetings from Paul and Timothy

(1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2)

1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer, 2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: 3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philemon's Faith and Love

4I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6That the communication of your faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by you, brother.

Paul's Appeal for Onesimus

8Why, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin you that which is convenient, 9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech you, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11Which in time past was to you unprofitable, but now profitable to you and to me: 12Whom I have sent again: you therefore receive him, that is, my own bowels: 13Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel: 14But without your mind would I do nothing; that your benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him for ever; 16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17If you count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18If he has wronged you, or owes you ought, put that on my account; 19I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides. 20Yes, brother, let me have joy of you in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say.

22But with prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

Additional Greetings

23There salute you Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; 24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow laborers.

25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.