Bible In Poetry: Philemon 1 Poem by Dr John Celes

Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ,
And his brother, Timothy writes:
To Philemon, friend and worker,
To Apphia, beloved sister,
To Archippus, fellow soldier,
To the church that meets in your home,
‘From God, our Father, grace and peace,
And from Jesus Lord, be with you.’

Thanksgiving and Prayer:

I thank my God always brothers,
And remember you in prayers,
Because about your faith, I hear,
In Jesus Lord and saints so dear.

I exhort you to share your faith,
And understand all things in Christ;
Your love has given me great joy,
And refreshed hearts of saints, ahoy!

Paul’s Plea for Onesimus:

Although in Christ, I can be bold,
And order you to do as told,
Christ Jesus’ prisoner, now man old,
Paul, I appeal to you with love,
For Onesimus, my son dear,
While I in chains, he came so near;
Although, he was useless to you,
But now, he is useful to both.

I’m sending him, who is my heart,
Although I wish he didn’t depart,
And take your place in helping me,
While I’m in chains for the Gospel.

Yet, I don’t want to do something,
Without your consent on that thing,
So that, the favor that you do
Is spontaneous and from heart true.

May be, he was away from you,
So that, you have him back for good,
Not as a slave but as brother.
He is so dear to me and you,
Both as a man and in the Lord.

Like how you consider me as
A partner, welcome him like me;
If he has done anything wrong,
Or owes you then, charge it to me.
I’ll pay it back without delay;
Refresh my heart in Christ this day.
I know you will obey my words,
And that, you’ll do more than I ask.

Prepare a guest-room for me for,
I hope to be restored to you,
In answer to your prayers all.

Fellow in Jesus, Epaphras;
Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, Demas-
My fellow-workers, send greetings!

The grace of Lord Christ Jesus be
With your spirit in ministry.