1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Philemon 1 (New Testament)
7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
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.
10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Phm.1 (New Testament)
13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
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?
17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;
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.
20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.
22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;
24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philemon
Philemon is a letter written by Paul to a wealthy Christian named Philemon, addressing the issue of his slave, Onesimus, who had run away and became a Christian while in Rome. The letter is a beautiful expression of Christian love and reconciliation.
Verse: "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers" (Philemon 1:4)
Lesson: In this verse, Paul expresses his gratitude for Philemon and his faithfulness to the Lord. Paul consistently lifts up Philemon in prayer, thanking God for him. We can learn from Paul's example that we should be grateful for the faithful believers in our lives and lift them up in prayer regularly.
Conclusion: Philemon is a letter about reconciliation and forgiveness. Paul pleads with Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother in Christ. We can learn from this letter that forgiveness and reconciliation are essential aspects of the Christian life. We should seek to reconcile with our brothers and sisters in Christ and forgive those who have wronged us.
Prayer points: Let us pray that we would have hearts full of gratitude for the faithful believers in our lives, that we would lift them up in prayer regularly, and that we would seek to reconcile with those who have wronged us. Let us also pray that we would be quick to forgive others and extend grace to them, just as Christ has extended grace to us. Finally, let us pray that we would be instruments of reconciliation and forgiveness in the world, reflecting the love and mercy of our Savior.
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