# The book of Philemon

> Philemon is a one-page letter from Paul about Onesimus, a slave who ran away from Philemon and became a Christian through Paul. Paul sends him back and asks Philemon to receive him as a brother.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/about
Section: Letters of Paul · 1 chapter

## Who wrote Philemon?

Paul, with Timothy. Scholars agree it is his.

## When was it written?

About AD 60–62, from prison.

## Main themes

- **A brother, not a slave.** The gospel changes how Philemon must see Onesimus.
- **Reconciliation.** Paul offers to pay any debt himself.
- **Love that asks, not orders.** Paul appeals rather than commands.

## Outline

- Verses 1–7: [Thanks for Philemon’s love](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1#1)
- Verses 8–22: [Paul’s appeal for Onesimus](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1#8)
- Verses 23–25: [Greetings](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1#23)

## Key verses

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

> I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you come to know fully every good thing that is in us for Christ.
> — [Philemon 1:6](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1#6)

> For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a short time, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially dear to me, but how much more to you, both as a man and in the Lord.
> — [Philemon 1:15-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1#15)

## Where to start

25 verses. Read it in one go. [Read Philemon](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1.md)

Read the whole book: https://www.lumin.faith/read/philemon/1.md
Ask about it: https://www.lumin.faith/ask.md