Day 341 of My 5th Bible Study Part 1

Day 341, 7 December 2025 - 15th Day of Advent

Today at <a href="https://www.calvarycommunity.ca"> Calvary Community Church
</a> Pastor Barry Regier spoke God's blueprint for parenting - Shaping the Heart

A) The Broken Approach 

Ephesians 6:4a

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:

Colossians 3:21

21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged.

[21] Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Ask "Father God ...

... Please bring to mind an experience I had with a parent that has 
    negatively affected how I see myself?"

... what do You have to say to me oe what would you show me about how you
REALLY feel about me?"

Take a moment to thank Him and bask in His love.

B) The Right Design   - Perfect Source

Ephesians 6:4b

but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

i) Discipline  

Proverbs 13:24

He who spares his rod hates his son, 
but he who loves him disciplines him early.

He that spareth his rod hateth his son:
But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

ii)  Instruction

Proverbs 22:6

6 (Eph 6:4; 2Ti 3:15) Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go:
And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

1) Colossians 1, Colossians 2, Colossians 3, Colossians 4, Philemon 

Colossians 1

Salutation

1 (2Co 1:1; 1Co 1:1; Php 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
by the will of God,and Timothy our brother,
2 (Ro 1:7; Eph 1:1) To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are
at Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our
brother,
[2] To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness for the Colossians

3 (Eph 1:15) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you.
4 (Gal 5:6; Eph 1:15) For we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love
for all the saints,
5 (Ac 23:6; Eph 1:13) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,
of which you have already heard in the word of the truth of the gospel,
6 (Jn 15:16; Ps 98:3) which has come to you, as it has in all the world,
and brings forth fruit, as it has also in you, since the day you heard it
and knew the grace of God in truth.
7 (Col 4:12; Phm 1:23) And you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow
servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ for you,
8 (Ro 15:30) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

[3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying
always for you,
[4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye
have to all the saints,
[5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before
in the word of the truth of the gospel;
[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth
fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the
grace of God in truth:
[7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a
faithful minister of Christ;
[8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

The Person and Work of Christ

9 (Eph 1:8; 5:17) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not
cease to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge
of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 4:1) that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
pleasing to all, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God,
11 (Eph 4:2; 3:16) strengthened with all might according to His glorious
power, enduring everything with perseverance and patience joyfully,
12 (Ac 20:32; 26:18) giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to be
partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 (Eph 6:12; 1:6) He has delivered us from the power of darkness
and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son,
14 (Eph 1:7) in whom we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of sins.
15 (2Co 4:4; Jn 1:18) He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn
of every creature.
16 (Jn 1:3; Ro 11:36) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers. All things were created by Him
and for Him.
17 (Jn 8:58; Heb 1:3) He is before all things,
and in Him all things hold together.
18 (Ac 26:23; Eph 1:22-23) He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that in all things
He may have the preeminence.
19 (Jn 1:16; Col 2:9) For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness
should dwell,
20 (Eph 1:10; Ro 5:1) and to reconcile all things to Himself by Him,
having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him, I say-whether
they are things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 (Eph 2:12) And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
22 (Ro 7:4; Eph 5:27) in the body of His flesh through death,
to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight,
23 (Eph 3:17; Mk 16:15) if you continue in the faith, grounded and settled,
and are not removed from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven,
and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray
for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his
will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful
in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in light:
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated
us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of
sins:
[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to
reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in
earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by
wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and
unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away
from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to
every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 

Paul's Ministry to the Church

24 (2Ti 1:8; 2Co 7:4) Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake
and fill up in my flesh that which is lacking in the afflictions of Christ,
for the sake of His body, which is the church.
25 (Eph 3:2; Col 1:23) I have been made a servant of it according
to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you,
to fulfill the word of God,
26 (Ro 16:25-26) even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages
and generations, but now is revealed to His saints.
27 (1Ti 1:1; Ro 8:10) To them God would make known what is the glorious
riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you,
the hope of glory,
28 (1Co 2:6; Col 1:22) whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone
in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.
29 (1Co 15:10; Eph 1:19) In this I labor, striving according to His power,
which effectively works in me.

[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is
behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which
is the church:
[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God
which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
[28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all
wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
[29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which
worketh in me mightily.

Colossians 2

1 (Col 1:29; Rev 1:11) I would like you to know what a great struggle
I am having for you, and for those at Laodicea,
and for everyone who has not seen my face in the flesh,
2 (Col 4:8; Ro 16:25) that their hearts may be comforted, being knit together
in love, and receive all the riches and assurance of full understanding,
and knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3 (Ro 11:33; 1Co 1:24) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.
4 (Eph 5:6) Now this I say lest anyone beguile you with enticing words.
5 (1Co 14:40; 1Pe 5:9) For though I am absent in the flesh,
yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing your orderliness
and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

[1] For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for
them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
[2] That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and
unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
[3] In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
[4] And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
[5] For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit,
joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in
Christ.

Fullness of Life in Christ

6 (Col 1:10; 1Th 4:1) As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,
so walk in Him,
7 (Eph 3:17; 2:20-22) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
as you have been taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.
8 (1Ti 6:20; Gal 4:3) Beware lest anyone captivate you through philosophy
and vain deceit, in the tradition of men and the elementary principles
of the world, and not after Christ.
9 (Col 1:19; Jn 1:14) For in Him lives all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all authority and power.
11 (Ro 2:29; 6:6) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision
made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh,
by the circumcision of Christ,
12 (Ac 2:24; Ro 4:24) buried with Him in baptism, in which also you were
raised with Him through the faith of the power of God, who has raised Him
from the dead.
13 (Eph 2:1; Jas 2:26) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision
of your flesh, He has resurrected together with Him, having forgiven you all
sins.
14 (Ac 3:19; Col 2:20) He blotted out the handwriting of ordinances that was
against us and contrary to us, and He took it out of the way, nailing it to
the cross.
15 (Eph 4:8; Lk 10:18) And having disarmed authorities and powers,
He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 (Heb 9:10; 1Ch 23:31) Therefore let no one judge you regarding food,
or drink, or in respect of a holy day or new moon or sabbath days.
17 (Heb 8:5; 10:1) These are shadows of things to come, but the substance
belongs to Christ.
18 (Col 2:23; 2:8) Do not let anyone cheat you of your reward by delighting
in false humility and the worship of angels, dwelling on those things which
he has not seen, vainly arrogant due to his unspiritual mind,
19 (Eph 4:15-16) and not supporting the head, from which the entire body,
nourished and knit together by joints and sinews, grows as God gives
the increase.

[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
[7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after
the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after
Christ.
[9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and
power:
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without
hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision
of Christ:
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through
the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
[13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
[14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which
was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
[15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them
openly, triumphing over them in it.
[16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of
an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
[18] Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and
worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen,
vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
[19] And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands
having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the
increase of God.

The New Life in Christ

20 (Col 2:8; 2:14) Therefore, if you died with Christ to the elementary
principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world,
do you subject yourself to legalistic rules?
21 (1Ti 4:3) "Do not touch! Do not taste! Do not handle!"
22 (Isa 29:13; 1Co 6:13) These all are to perish with use and are aligned
with the commandments and doctrines of men.
23 (Col 2:18; 1Ti 4:8) These things have indeed a show of wisdom in
self-imposed worship and humility and neglecting of the body,
but are worthless against the indulgence of the flesh.

[20] Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world,
why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
[21] (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
[22] Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and
doctrines of men?
[23] Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and
humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of
the flesh.

Colossians 3

1 (Ps 110:1; Mk 16:19) If you then were raised with Christ, desire those
things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.
2 (Mt 16:23) Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth.
3 (Ro 6:2; Col 2:20) For you are dead,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 (1Jn 3:2; Jn 11:25) When Christ who is our life shall appear, then you also
shall appear with Him in glory.
5 (Ro 8:13; 1Co 6:18) Therefore put to death the parts of your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire,
and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 (Ro 1:18; Eph 5:6) Because of these things, the wrath of God comes
on the sons of disobedience.
7 (Eph 2:2) You also once walked in these, when you lived in them.
8 (Eph 4:22; 4:29) But now you must also put away all these: anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, and filthy language out of your mouth.
9 (Eph 4:22; 4:25) Do not lie one to another, since you have put off
the old nature with its deeds,
10 (Eph 2:10; 4:23-24; Ro 12:2) and have embraced the new nature,
which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him who created it,
11 (Ro 10:12; Eph 1:23) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor
uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free,
but Christ is all and in all.
12 (Eph 4:2; Lk 1:78) So embrace, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
a spirit of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, and longsuffering.
13 (Eph 4:32; Mk 11:25; Eph 4:2) Bear with one another and forgive one
another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you,
so you must do.
14 (Eph 4:3; 1Co 13:1-13) And above all these things, embrace love,
which is the bond of perfection.
15 (Jn 14:27; Eph 5:20) Let the peace of God, to which also you are called
in one body, rule in your hearts. And be thankful.
16 (Eph 5:19; Col 1:28; Ro 10:17) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 (1Co 10:31; Eph 5:20) And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.

[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
[3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
[4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear
with him in glory.
[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication,
uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry:
[6] For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of
disobedience:
[7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
[8] But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,
filthy communication out of your mouth.
[9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds;
[10] And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the
image of him that created him:
[11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
[12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
[13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a
quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
[14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful.
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Social Duties of the New Life

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands,
as it is fitting in the Lord.
19 (Eph 5:25; 1Pe 3:7) Husbands, love your wives,
and do not be bitter toward them.
20 (Ex 20:12; Eph 5:24) Children, obey your parents in all things,
for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 (Eph 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged.
22 (Col 3:20) Servants, obey your masters in all things according
to the flesh, serving not only when they are watching, as the servants
of men, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
23 (Col 3:17) And whatever you do, do it heartily,
as for the Lord and not for men,
24 (1Co 7:22; Eph 6:8) knowing that from the Lord you will receive
the reward of the inheritance. For you serve the Lord Christ.
25 (Ac 10:34; Dt 10:17) But he who does wrong will receive
for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality.

[18] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the
Lord.
[19] Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
[20] Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing
unto the Lord.
[21] Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
[22] Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not
with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
[23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
[24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
[25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done:
and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 4

1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair,
knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

[1] Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing
that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Exhortations

2 (Lk 18:1; Eph 6:18) Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving,
3 (Eph 6:19-20; Ac 14:27) while praying also for us, that God would open
to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am
also in chains,
4 (Eph 6:20) that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak.
5 (Mk 4:11; Eph 5:15-17) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside,
wisely using the opportunity.
6 (Mk 9:50; 1Pe 3:15) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned
with salt, that you may know how you should answer everyone.

[2] Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
[3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of
utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
[4] That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
[5] Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
[6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may
know how ye ought to answer every man.

Final Greetings

7 (Ac 20:4; Col 4:9) Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and a faithful
minister and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
8 (Eph 6:22; Col 2:2) I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that he
might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you everything which is happening here.
10 (Ac 19:29; 27:2) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark,
the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions:
If he comes to you, receive him),
11 (Ac 11:2) and Jesus, who is called Justus. These are my only fellow
workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision.
They have been a comfort to me.
12 (Ro 15:30; Col 1:7) Epaphras greets you. He is one of you, a servant
of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may
stand mature and complete in the entire will of God.
13 (Col 2:1) I bear witness of him, that he has a great zeal for you,
those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14 (Phm 1:24; 2Ti 4:10-11) Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.
15 (Ro 16:5) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nympha,
and the church which is in his house.
16 (1Th 5:27; 2Th 3:14) When this epistle is read among you, ensure that it is
read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you, likewise,
read the epistle from Laodicea.
17 (Phm 1:2) Tell Archippus, "Make sure that you fulfill the ministry
which you have received in the Lord."
18 (1Co 16:21; 1Ti 6:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

[7] All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother,
and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
[8] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your
estate, and comfort your hearts;
[9] With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They
shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
[10] Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to
Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you,
receive him;)
[11] And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These
only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort
unto me.
[12] Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always
labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God.
[13] For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that
are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
[14] Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
[15] Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church
which is in his house.
[16] And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in
the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from
Laodicea.
[17] And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast
received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
[18] The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with
you. Amen. 

Philemon

The epistle of Paul the Apostle to Philemon was written in Rome
in about AD 62. This story is about a servant named Onesimus
who ran away from Philemon, a Christian of Colosse. Onesimus had departed
from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he then became converted
under Paul's ministry. Paul sent him back to Philemon with this letter
to reconcile their broken relationship, since they were both in Christ.
The letter about Onesimus was included in the canon, in the opinion of some,
due to the authenticity of its authorship. Paul's political astuteness
and personal interaction with the recipient make this letter both warm
and compelling. It is truly a heartfelt plea from one Christian to another.

Salutation

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

1 To Philemon, our beloved fellow laborer,
2 and to beloved Apphia, and to Archippus our fellow soldier,
and to the church in your house:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[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.

Philemon's Love and Faith

4 I thank my God, always mentioning you in my prayers,
5 whenever I hear of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus
and for all the saints,
6 that the sharing of your faith may be most effective by the acknowledgment
of every good thing which is in you from Christ Jesus.
7 For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love,
because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.

[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.

Paul Pleads for Onesimus

8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you
to do that which is proper,
9 yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you-I, Paul, an old man,
and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ-
10 I appeal to you on behalf of my son Onesimus, whose father I have become
in my imprisonment,
11 who in the past was unprofitable to you,
but now he is profitable to you and to me.
12 I have sent him back. Therefore receive him as my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him with me, so that in your place he might serve me
during my imprisonment for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I would do nothing, so that your goodness
would not be forced, but given willingly.
15 Perhaps this was why he departed for a while,
that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother,
especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh
and in the Lord.
17 If then you consider me a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 If he wronged you or owes you anything, charge this to my account.
19 I, Paul, have written this with my own hand. I will repay it-not
to mention that you owe me even your own self.
20 Yes, brother, help me rejoice in the Lord, refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Being convinced of your obedience, I write to you,
knowing that you will also do more than I say.
22 But, in addition, prepare also lodging for me,
for I hope that through your prayers I shall be graciously restored to you.

[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.

Final Greetings

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,
24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

[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. 

-- 
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