Pauline Epistles · New Testament

The Book of Philemon

Philemon is a personal letter in which Paul appeals to a slave owner to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus — no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ.

Chapters
1
Testament
New
Category
Pauline Epistles
Traditional Author
Traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul

Overview

Paul writes from prison to Philemon, a believer in Colossae, on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away and subsequently come to faith in Christ through Paul's ministry. Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of love, not authority, asking him to receive Onesimus back as a brother in the Lord. Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus owes and expresses confidence that Philemon will do even more than he asks.

Key Themes

  • Reconciliation and forgiveness between believers
  • The transforming power of the gospel in human relationships
  • The equality of all people in Christ
  • Love as the basis for Christian appeal

Key Verses

"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."

Philemon 1:16 (NKJV)

"But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account."

Philemon 1:18 (NKJV)

How It Applies Today

Philemon demonstrates the power of the gospel to transform relationships, breaking down barriers of status and making all believers equal as brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul's offer to pay Onesimus's debt is a picture of what Christ has done for every believer, taking our debt upon Himself. The letter challenges believers to extend the same grace and forgiveness to others that they have received from God.