📖 Philemon — Chapter 1 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Philemon 1:1 Paul, Ra prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and RArchippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
Philemon 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philemon 1:4 RI thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
Philemon 1:5 RHearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Philemon 1:6 That Rthe communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1:7 For we have Rgreat joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Philemon 1:8 Wherefore, though I might be much Rbold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
Philemon 1:9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as RPaul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Philemon 1:10 I beseech thee for Rmy son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Philemon 1:11 Which in time past was to thee Runprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Philemon 1:12 Whom I have sent again: Rthou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Philemon 1:13 Whom I would have retained with me, that Rin thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Philemon 1:14 But Rwithout thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
Philemon 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
Philemon 1:16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, Ra brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
Philemon 1:17 If Rthou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
Philemon 1:18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, Rput that on mine account;
Philemon 1:19 RI 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.
Philemon 1:20 Yea, brother, Rlet me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Philemon 1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
Philemon 1:22 But withal Rprepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Philemon 1:23 There salute thee REpaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
Philemon 1:24 RMarcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
Philemon 1:25 The Rgrace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Philemon 1:1–7 — Thanksgiving for refreshing love
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Paul greets Philemon's household church and gives thanks for faith and charity that have refreshed the saints.
Key Truth: Let faith become refreshing care for others.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “____ , a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, …” (Philemon 1:1)
Find it in Philemon 1:1 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “I ____ my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,” (Philemon 1:4)
Find it in Philemon 1:4 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “For we have great ____ and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the …” (Philemon 1:7)
Find it in Philemon 1:7 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Philemon 1:8–16 — An appeal for Onesimus
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Rather than command, Paul appeals in love for Onesimus, now useful and to be received as a beloved brother.
Key Truth: Let changed fellowship reshape how you receive a person.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “____ , though I might be much bold in Christ to …” (Philemon 1:8)
Find it in Philemon 1:8 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, ____ I have begotten in my bonds:” (Philemon 1:10)
Find it in Philemon 1:10 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “Not now as a ____ , but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to …” (Philemon 1:16)
Find it in Philemon 1:16 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Philemon 1:17–25 — Welcome and willing responsibility
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as himself, offers to bear an owed debt, and closes with confidence and greetings.
Key Truth: Pursue reconciliation through generous and willing action.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “If thou ____ me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.” (Philemon 1:17)
Find it in Philemon 1:17 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “____ confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that …” (Philemon 1:21)
Find it in Philemon 1:21 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your ____ . Amen.” (Philemon 1:25)
Find it in Philemon 1:25 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Colossians 4:9 — Paul identifies Onesimus as a faithful and beloved brother.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
Whom could you welcome with a changed understanding of shared belonging in Christ?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. Which account best distinguishes Philemon 1:1–7 (Thanksgiving for refreshing love) from the other movements of this chapter?
2. Which account best distinguishes Philemon 1:8–16 (An appeal for Onesimus) from the other movements of this chapter?
3. Which account best distinguishes Philemon 1:17–25 (Welcome and willing responsibility) from the other movements of this chapter?
4. Why does Paul avoid acting without Philemon's mind?
5. How should Onesimus now be received beyond the former relationship?
Notes
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