Philemon 1

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 1 of 1

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy the brother, to Philemon the beloved and our fellow-worker,

2 and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the assembly in your house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always making mention of you in my prayers,

Read full chapter in the Bible Reader

Chapter Summary

4 He rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, 8 whom he desires to forgive Onesimus.

Key Greek Words

ἀγάπη love G26
κοινωνία fellowship, sharing G2842
δοῦλος slave, bondservant G1401
ἀδελφός brother G80
εὔχρηστος useful, profitable G2173
παρακαλέω entreat, appeal G3870

People & Context

Paul

A prisoner of Christ Jesus who writes appealing to Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a beloved brother.

Onesimus

Philemon's runaway slave, converted by Paul in prison; once worthless, now useful, sent back as a brother.

Philemon

The beloved fellow-worker and recipient, host of the assembly, urged to forgive and welcome Onesimus.

Timothy

The brother named with Paul as co-sender of the letter.

Apphia

The beloved addressed in the greeting, a member of Philemon's household.

Archippus

Paul's fellow-soldier addressed in the greeting.

Timeline

Salutation to Philemon's Household

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy write to Philemon the beloved fellow-worker, Apphia, Archippus the fellow-soldier, and the assembly meeting in Philemon's house, extending grace and peace.

Philemon 1:1-3
Thanksgiving for Philemon's Love and Faith

Paul thanks God for Philemon, hearing of his love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints. He prays that the fellowship of Philemon's faith may be effective in full knowledge of every good thing in them for Christ.

Philemon 1:4-6
Joy Over Refreshed Saints

Paul has much joy and encouragement over Philemon's love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through him.

Philemon 1:7

Read Philemon 1 in the KJ3 Reader

Word-for-word literal translation with Greek interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.

Open in Bible Reader
Titus 3PhilemonHebrews 1