---
title: "Commentary on Timothy, Titus and Philemon"
author: "John Calvin"
translator: "William Pringle"
languages: [en]
shelf: "Commentaries"
section: 77 of 77
url: https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/77/
cite: "John Calvin, tr. William Pringle, Commentary on Timothy, Titus and Philemon, section 77. Scriptura (scriptura.si), https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/77/"
---

# Commentary on Timothy, Titus and Philemon

*John Calvin, tr. William Pringle*

Calvin on the pastoral letters and the letter to Philemon.

## 77. Chapter 1

Source: https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/77/ · cite a paragraph as https://scriptura.si/works/john-calvin-commentary-on-timothy-titus-and-philemon/77/#p-N

[¶0] 1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy a brother,

[¶1] 2 To Philemon our friend and fellow-laborer, and to Apphia the beloved, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church which is in thy house.

[¶2] 3 Grace (be) to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[¶3] 4 I give thanks to my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

[¶4] 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus and towards all saints,

[¶5] 6 That the communication of thy faith may be effectual, by the knowledge of every good thing which is in thee towards Christ Jesus.

[¶6] 7 For we have much grace (or, joy) and consolation on account of thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed by thee, brother.

[¶7] 8 Wherefore, while I have great confidence in Christ to command thee what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather entreat thee;

[¶8] 9 Being such a one as Paul the aged (or, elder,) and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

[¶9] 10 I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds,

[¶10] 11 Onesimus, who formerly was unprofitable to thee, but now is profitable both to thee and to me;

[¶11] 12 Whom I have sent back; receive him therefore, that is, my bowels;

[¶12] 13 Whom I was desirous to keep beside me, that he might minister to me instead of thee in the bonds of the gospel.

[¶13] 14 But without thy opinion I would do nothing, that thy benefit might not be by constraint, but of free choice.

[¶14] 15 For perhaps for this reason he was separated for a time, that thou mightest receive him for ever;

[¶15] 16 Not now as a slave, but above a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?

[¶16] 17 If therefore thou holdest me to be thy associate, receive him as myself.

[¶17] 18 And if in anything he hath done thee injury, or oweth thee anything, place it to my account.

[¶18] 19 I Paul have written it with my own hand, I will pay it; not to tell thee that thou owest me even thyself.

[¶19] 20 Yea, brother, let me enjoy in the Lord; refresh my bowels in the Lord.

[¶20] 21 Being convinced of they obedience, I have written to thee, knowing that thou wilt do beyond what I write.

[¶21] 22 But at the same time prepare for me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.

[¶22] 23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ Jesus,

[¶23] 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers, salute thee.

[¶24] 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (be) with your spirit. Amen.

[¶25] It was sent from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a slave.