54 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
54 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
Greetings from Paul
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1. This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy.
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I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker,
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2. and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.
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3. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer
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4. I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,
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5. because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people.
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6. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
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7. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people.
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Paul's Appeal for Onesimus
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8. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.
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9. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me--Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.
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10. I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.
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11. Onesimus hasn't been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.
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12. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
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13. I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.
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14. But I didn't want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.
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15. It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.
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16. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
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17. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
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18. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
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19. I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON'T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!
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20. Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord's sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
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21. I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!
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22. One more thing--please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
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Paul's Final Greetings
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23. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.
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24. So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
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25. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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