Author
Paul
Apostle
Written
c. 60–62 AD
Chapters
1
Audience
Philemon, a wealthy Christian slave-owner in Colossae, and his household church
Greeting and salutation from Paul and Timothy to Philemon and his household
Chapter 1Read in Bible
Paul's thanksgiving and praise for Philemon's faith and love toward fellow believers
Chapter 1 → Chapter 4Read in Bible
Paul introduces Onesimus and appeals on his behalf with love rather than apostolic authority
Chapter 1 → Chapter 8Read in Bible
Paul explains Onesimus's transformation and urges Philemon to receive him as a beloved brother
Chapter 1 → Chapter 12Read in Bible
Paul offers to personally repay any debt owed, acting as a mediator and substitute for Onesimus
Chapter 1 → Chapter 17Read in Bible
Paul expresses confidence in Philemon's obedience and requests preparation for a future visit
Chapter 1 → Chapter 20Read in Bible
Final greetings from Paul's fellow workers and a closing benediction of grace
Chapter 1 → Chapter 23Read in Bible
"I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains."
Philemon 1:10"Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother."
Philemon 1:15–16"If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me."
Philemon 1:18"I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ."
Philemon 1:6Philemon is a personal letter from the Apostle Paul, written during his imprisonment, appealing to Philemon to receive back his runaway slave Onesimus—who had become a Christian under Paul's ministry—no longer as a slave but as a dear brother in Christ. The letter is a masterpiece of tact and Christian persuasion, demonstrating how the gospel transforms social relationships and hierarchies. Theologically, it illustrates the principles of forgiveness, substitutionary intercession, and the radical equality of believers in Christ.