Philemon: A Demonstration of the Gospel in Action

Paul wrote to Philemon, a Christian brother and slaveholder in Colosse. Philemon’s slave Onesimus had wronged him in some way and had run away. Eventually Onesimus came to Paul while he was in prison in Rome, perhaps seeking assistance. During his visit, Onesimus became a follower of Jesus Christ and a beloved assistant of Paul. Therefore, Paul finds himself in a difficult and delicate situation. His overriding purpose in writing this letter was to appeal to Philemon to forgive Onesimus, and in fact, receive him back as a Christian brother.