Philemon was a prominent Christian, probably a member of the church at Colossae and the owner of a slave named Onesimus. This slave had run away from his master, and then somehow, he had come in contact with Paul, who was then in prison. Through Paul, Onesimus became a Christian. Paul's Letter to Philemon is an appeal to Philemon to be reconciled to his slave, whom Paul is sending back to him, and to welcome him not only as a forgiven slave but as a Christian brother.
Outline of Contents
- Introduction 1–3
- Praise for Philemon 4–7
- Appeal for Onesimus 8–22
- Conclusion 23–25
Source(s):
Paul's Letter to Philemon. (1972). In Catholic (Ed.), May they be one Bible: Good news translation (2013 ed., p. 1636). Bible Society.
