|
|
|
Philemon
|
|
| 1:1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon
our dearly beloved, and fellow labourer, |
|
| 1:2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the
church in thy house: |
|
| 1:3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
|
| 1:4
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, |
|
| 1:5
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus,
and toward all saints; |
|
| 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the
acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. |
|
| 1:7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints
are refreshed by thee, brother. |
 (7, 12, 20)
"The bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."
|
| 1:8
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that
which is convenient, |
|
| 1:9
Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the
aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. |
|
| 1:10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
|
 (10-12)
Paul returns the runaway slave, Onesimus, to his "rightful owner," Philemon, asking him
to receive him just as though he were Paul's very "own bowels." This was, of course, a great opportunity for Paul
(and God) to condemn slavery -- if he had anything against it, that is. But he doesn't. Instead he returns the slave
to his owner without a word against the institution of slavery.
Does God approve of slavery?
|
| 1:11
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee
and to me:
|
| 1:12
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him,
that is, mine own bowels:
|
| 1:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have
ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
|
| 1:14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be
as it were of necessity, but willingly. |
|
| 1:15
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest
receive him for ever; |
|
| 1:16
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? |
|
| 1:17
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. |
|
| 1:18
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; |
|
| 1:19
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. |
|
| 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the
Lord. |
|
| 1:21
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou
wilt also do more than I say. |
|
| 1:22
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your
prayers I shall be given unto you. |
|
| 1:23
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; |
|
| 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers. |
|
| 1:25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
Good Stuff 
Get the SAB