Philemon 1

Paul writes a personal letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, concerning his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had run away but became a Christian while in Rome with Paul. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus back, no longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord. Paul promises to pay any financial debt Onesimus owes and uses gentle persuasion to encourage Philemon to do even more than what Paul asks, appealing to their bond in Christ.