Skip to content

Paul shows love for Onesimus by pleading for him before Philemon. Be reminded then of how Christ, in love, pleads for us when we sin.

BibleGateway: Philemon 1

ESV Text: Philemon 1


KJV Text:

Right click here to save the file for off-line use.

KJV Text (alt. audio): Chapter 1:

     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. 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: 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.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 367:
Hail, Thou once Despised Jesus

Hymnary.org

— Organ Audio

Right click here to save the file for off-line use.

1. Hail, Thou once despised Jesus! 
Hail, Thou Galilean King! 
Thou didst suffer to release us; 
Thou didst free salvation bring. 
Hail, Thou universal Savior, 
Who hast borne our sin and shame, 
By whose merits we find favor! 
Life is given through Thy name. 

2. Paschal Lamb, by God appointed, 
All our sins on Thee were laid; 
By almighty love anointed, 
Thou hast full atonement made. 
Every sin may be forgiven 
Through the virtue of Thy blood; 
Open is the gate of heaven, 
Peace is made ‘twist man and God. 

3. Jesus, hail, enthroned in glory, 
There forever to abide! 
All the heavenly host adore Thee, 
Seated at Thy Father’s side. 
There for sinners Thou art pleading, 
There Thou dost our place prepare, 
Ever for us interceding 
Till in glory we appear. 

4. Worship, honor, power, and blessing 
Thou art worthy to receive; 
Loudest praises, without ceasing, 
Meet it is for us to give. 
Help, ye bright angelic spirits, 
Bring your sweetest, noblest lays; 
Help to sing our Savior’s merits, 
Help to chant Immanuel’s praise. 


Hymn: LSB 531 Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
Hymnary.org