Synopsis of Philemon

Paul is writing to convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and to accept him as a brother in the faith. Slavery was very common in the Roman Empire and evidently some Christians had slaves. Paul does not condemn the institution of slavery in his writings, but he makes a radical statement by calling this slave of Philemon’s – brother in Christ. Key verse: “Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” Philemon is a private personal letter to a friend.

Summary:
Philemon was a prominent Christian, probably a member of the church at Colosse 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.