The church we're going to be in the book of Philemon, and when you're ready, would you stand for the reading of God's word? Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy, our brother.

To Filemon, our dear friend and fellow worker,

and also to Afia, our sister, into archipus,

our fellow soldier, into the church that meets in your home.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers because I hear about your love

for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your

partnership with us in the faith may be effective and deepening your understanding

of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you brother have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people.

Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold in order you to do what you ought to do,

yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love.

It is as none other than Paul, an old man and now a prisoner of Christ Jesus,

that I appealed to you for my son,esimus who became my son while I was in chains.

Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him who is my very heart back to you. I would have liked

to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains

for the gospel, but I did not want to do

anything without your consent so that any favor you do would not seem forced but

would be voluntary. Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever,

no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother.

He is very dear to me, but even dearer to you,

both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

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