The Book of Philemon
The gospel transforms relationships, turning a runaway slave into a beloved brother.
- Author
- The apostle Paul
- Date
- c. AD 60–62
- Chapters
- 1
- Genre
- Paul's Letters
Summary
Philemon is a short personal letter from Paul to a believer in Colossae. Onesimus, Philemon's slave, had run away, met Paul and become a Christian.
Paul sends Onesimus back with this letter, appealing to Philemon to welcome him "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother." Paul even offers to repay anything Onesimus owes. The letter is a moving picture of forgiveness, reconciliation and equality in Christ.
Outline
- Chapter 1 — Paul's appeal for Onesimus
Key Themes
Key Verses
Start reading PhilemonPerhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.