Paul spent two full years under house arrest in Rome. Onesimus was among the many visitors that came to see Paul. He was a run-away slave from Colossae. His owner, Philemon, was a good friend of Paul. In fact, Paul was responsible for Philemon’s conversion (Philemon 19).
During Onesimus’ visit with Paul in Rome, he was converted to Christianity (Philemon 10). He began to minister to Paul, but Paul insisted he return to Colossae and turn himself back over to his mater, Philemon. They were now brothers in Christ! Onesimus was, no doubt, reluctant to go back. Run-away slaves could be beaten or even put to death! Paul wrote a “letter of recommendation” for Onesimus. We have a copy of the letter. We call it “Philemon”.
In his letter to Philemon, Paul offered to pay Philemon any money that Onesimus may owe him (Philemon 18 – 19). He asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back, but as more than just a servant. Onesimus was Philemon’s brother in the flesh as a fellow Colossian and a brother in Christ as a fellow Christian! Paul also told Philemon that he planned to visit Colossae if and when he was released from Roman custody. Paul even asked Philemon to prepare him a place to stay! Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke were with Paul in Rome. Epaphras was a Colossian just like Philemon. He would have known all these men, therefore Paul sent him greetings from them. Onesimus certainly appreciated this letter! It could mean the difference between life and death for him!
During Onesimus’ visit with Paul in Rome, he was converted to Christianity (Philemon 10). He began to minister to Paul, but Paul insisted he return to Colossae and turn himself back over to his mater, Philemon. They were now brothers in Christ! Onesimus was, no doubt, reluctant to go back. Run-away slaves could be beaten or even put to death! Paul wrote a “letter of recommendation” for Onesimus. We have a copy of the letter. We call it “Philemon”.
In his letter to Philemon, Paul offered to pay Philemon any money that Onesimus may owe him (Philemon 18 – 19). He asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back, but as more than just a servant. Onesimus was Philemon’s brother in the flesh as a fellow Colossian and a brother in Christ as a fellow Christian! Paul also told Philemon that he planned to visit Colossae if and when he was released from Roman custody. Paul even asked Philemon to prepare him a place to stay! Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke were with Paul in Rome. Epaphras was a Colossian just like Philemon. He would have known all these men, therefore Paul sent him greetings from them. Onesimus certainly appreciated this letter! It could mean the difference between life and death for him!