A Brother's Beloved

Onesimus was a slave of Philemon and an inhabitant of Colossae. The book of Philemon is a brief note from Paul about a runaway slave of Philemon known as Onesimus. Philemon was a close friend of the Apostle Paul and perhaps was led to Christianity by him. He was a slave owner. Onesimus was one of his slaves who fled Philemon after having stolen enough money from him to make his getaway to Rome. In Rome Onesimus became acquainted with Paul and was converted under his influence while in Rome. Paul was not an advocate of slavery. As a runaway slave, Onesimus, expected mutilation, scourging and maybe crucifixion. After coming under the influence of Paul, he was converted and wanted forgiveness for his sin. Paul urged Philemon to treat Onesimus as his returned slave and as a beloved brother. Paul was impressed with Onesimus name, which meant affectionate or profitable. Onesimus often expressed his love for Paul and appreciated Paul’s kindness. Paul considered that it was his Christian duty to encourage Onesimus to return and be treated as a Christian under the leadership of Philemon, his master. To support his request he wrote a letter expressing his thoughts and treatment of Onesimus as a Christian. Paul asked Philemon to free his slave, Onesimus because of Onesimus assistance to him. Paul was aware of Onesimus robbing his master, escaping and accepting Christ as his savior. Paul convinced Onesimus to return to Philemon, his master. He sent a letter to Philemon asking him to treat Onesimus as a brother and not as a slave. Paul informed Philemon that it is his Christian duty to treat Onesimus as a fellow Christian. Her also noted that Philemon was led to Christ by him (Paul). Paul’s letter to Philemon was more than a request for the release and forgiveness of Onesimus. It was a beautiful portrayal of the gospel of reconciliation. Philemon owed his conversion to Christianity. His conversion took place during Paul’s ministry. Paul and Philemon were very good friends. Philemon is Paul’s epistle of a private and a personal nature. This is Paul’s story of a runaway slave, named Onesimus. He used this short epistle to share his Christian love for forgivers. This short epistle expresses an end to slavery.