Author: Paul

Date Written: AD 61

Chapters: 1

Key People: Paul, Philemon, Onesimus

Summary: Paul wrote this letter to Philemon on behalf of Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus. Both Philemon and Onesimus were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul convinced Onesimus that he must return to Philemon. This letter was written to Philemon appealing to him to accept Onesimus back in Christian love as a brother in Christ—not merely as a slave. Paul also appealed to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and receive him graciously and without punishment because of the truth they shared in the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

About Jesus: Through Jesus Christ and His gospel, Christians can forgive, accept, and love each other no matter what outward appearances seem to divide them.