Paul wrote the letter to Philemon between 62-64 AD. It is among the Pastoral and Prison Epistles. The theme is to be one in Christ for love sake. This letter is the last of the Prison Epistles. Paul wrote this personal letter while in prison to a wealthy Christian named Philemon. Philemon may have come to Faith during Pual’s time in Ephesus. Philemon had a church at his home in Colosse, which is modern day Turkey. There is not Biblical record of Paul being in Collose. There is apprent evidence that the church in Collose was started by some of the his sons of the faith, and they looked to Paul being thier spiritual leader.

Philemon owned slaves and one of his slaves, Onesimus escaped. Onesimus most likely went to Rome presuming since t was a large city, one might hide there unnoticed. Somehow while in Rome God led Onesimus to Paul and Onesimus was saved through Paul sharing the Gospel to him. After Onesimus was saved, paul encouraged him to return to his master and restoration for leaving and oweing him money. While Onesimus was sent back, Paul gave him this letter for Philemon, in which Paul exhorted Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother and not a slave. Paul told Philemon if Onesimus owed him anything, to charge it to Paul’s account. Philemon owed Paul his eternal life, and Paul believed this would cover it.

In addition for being an intriguing historical story, this letter displays several important truths. First, it demonstrates the radical truth that God creates all people, be it slave or free, one in Christ Secondly, this letter reveals the importance of restitution after a person comes to Jesus Christ. And finally, it illustrates the freedom found in Christ, as He breaks the chains which enlaves all those who don’t know Him.