Continuing through the book of Philemon, we see Paul speaking out on behalf of Onesimus, a former slave. The apostle now gets to the heart of his instruction to the master he ran away from.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Philemon 15-16 NIV

Paul uses very clear language in this section. He wants Philemon to elevate his view of Onesimus. He wants Philemon to see him as above a slave. He is now a partner in Paul’s ministry.

So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.

Philemon 17 NIV

That word, welcome, means more than just a wave and a handshake. It literally means to admit him back with both friendship and hospitality. Paul is saying that instead of viewing him as a returned slave, see him as a member of the family who has returned after a journey.

Paul realizes that Philemon might think that Onesimus owes him something. After all, he lost the services that this slave could have given him. So, Paul deals with that issue.

If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back — not to mention that you owe me your very self. I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Philemon 18-21 NIV

Yes, Paul uses his influence to add a level of guilt to give Philemon that final push to do what is right. He wants to see Onesimus welcomed back with no strings attached.

Both Philemon and Onesimus were saved under Paul’s ministry. That makes them both his spiritual sons. They need to view each other in that way. They must begin a new type of relationship together.

Paul closes this letter with some final words.

And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philemon 22-25 NIV

Many people question the purpose of this tiny book. I think that the reason the Holy Spirit placed it in the New Testament is clear.

At this point in history, slavery was an entrenched institution. It was viewed as a normal part of society. But that alone doesn’t make something right.
It’s a part of our sin nature to want to control others for our benefit. That makes slavery an outward expression of our sin.
As the Holy Spirit is finishing His inspiration about living as a body of Christ, He’s planting the seeds in the church to think deeply about slavery. If it’s wrong to enslave a fellow believer, and we want everyone to come to faith in Christ, then is slavery ever right? NO! But you couldn’t start there because of thousands of years of history.
As I said, in this book the spiritual seed was being planted in the hearts of believers to end slavery.

Question: What’s the best way to change things that are wrong, that society is okay with?

© 2025 Nick Zaccardi