ROME, A.D. 63. (ACTS 25:4.)
CONCERNING ONESIMUS, ETC.
1 1:1PAUL, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy the brother, to the beloved. Philemon and our fellow-laborer, 1:2and to the beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly at your house. 1:3Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 1:4I thank my God, always making mention of you in my prayers, 1:5hearing of your love and faith which you have for the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 1:6that your participation of the faith may be made effectual by a knowledge of all the good which we have in Christ Jesus. 1:7For I have great joy and comfort in your love, because the saints are refreshed by you, brother. 1:8Wherefore, having great boldness to command you what is fit, 1:9on account of love I rather request; being such as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus, 1:10I request you for my son Onesimus, whom I obtained in my bonds, 1:11who was formerly not useful to you but is now most useful to you and me, 1:12whom I have sent back. And do you receive him, that is, my soul, 1:13whom I should like to retain for myself, that he might serve me for you in the bonds of the gospel, 1:14but without your consent I will do nothing, that your service may not be compulsory but voluntary; 1:15for perhaps he has been separated from you for a time that you may have him back forever, 1:16no longer as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 1:17If therefore you regard me as a friend receive him as myself. 1:18If he injured you, or owes you any thing, set it to my account. 1:19I, Paul, have written with my hand; I will pay; not to tell you that you owe yourself to me. 1:20Yes, brother, let me be profited by you in the Lord; refresh my soul in Christ.
3 1:21I have written to you, having confidence in your obedience, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 1:22But at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you. 1:23Epaphras, who is my fellow-captive in Christ Jesus, 1:24Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my co-laborers, salute you. 1:25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
[THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS.]
ROME, A.D. 63. (ACTS 25:4.)
CHAPTER I.
PAUL'S PRAYERS FOR THE COLOSSIANS, THE DIGNITY OF CHRIST, PAUL'S MINISTRY, FALSE TEACHERS, ETC.
1 1:1PAUL, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy the brother, 1:2to the saints in Colosse and the faithful brothers in Christ. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father.