What Does Paul Teach Shilemon

There are 13 books in the bible in which Paul is thought to have been the author of. Of the books that he wrote, Philemon is the shortest. Despite the book being the shortest, it is one of the most interesting books that Paul wrote in my opinion. The reason for this interest is some of the backstory, and the lesson Paul is trying to teach Philemon.
The situation that the letter originates from begins with Philemon owning a slave named Onesimus. One thing lead to another, and Onesimus escaped from his owner. He did not just escape into the country side though, he traveled from Colossae to Rome; which according to google maps is approximately 1,300 miles. Once in Rome, Onesimus met Paul, and Paul convinced him to have faith in Jesus Christ. Paul would then send the escaped slave back to Colossae. Paul told Philemon that he wanted him to accept the ex-slave as a fellow follower of Christ, and then send him back to Rome for Paul. …show more content…
When talking about the purpose of Onesimus in verse 13 Paul writes, “I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he may serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel.” Paul’s argument is that Onesimus is now a brother in Christ, and Philemon should send him back to Rome with Paul because he is better served spreading the word than a slave. Paul also compares the escaped slave to himself, by writing in verse 17, “So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.” Now that the ex-slave is a follower of Christ he is on equal terms with Paul. This shows Philemon that not only is he no longer his slave, but he is someone who deserves