The three main characters of this epistle are Paul, Onesimus and Philemon.
The Apostle Paul, author of the book of Philemon, writes to encourage Philemon to receive his slave Onesimus back not as a slave, but as a brother beloved. Paul stress to Philemon the theme of the book which is forgiveness.
Onesimus was a slave to Philemon who robbed his master and ran away. As Onesimus journeyed to Rome he encountered Paul who preached the good news of Jesus Christ and there Onesimus was converted to Christianity. After his conversion, Paul encourages Onesimus to return to his master, Philemon that they might make write their relationship.
Philemon was a slave owner whose slave Onesimus robbed him and ran away. As a slave owner Philemon had a right to kill his slave for the wrong he had done. After Onesimus was converted to the faith, Paul recognized his duty to his master and sent him back to Philemon with a letter. The letter
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Paul’s desire was for Philemon to forgive the sins done to him by his slave Onesimus. Paul asked Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ. This would create not a master to slave relationship, but a brotherly love relationship. Paul even went on to state, if he owes you anything I will pay the …show more content…
Colossians 4:1 (KJV) says, “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven”. As Christians it becomes our duty to treat those whom work for us, those whom we are over with fair treatment. Paul shares just as God is our Mater and treats us with love, even when we are disobedient to him, we must treat others with the same love even when they are disobedient to us. Forgiveness is crucial in the eyes of God and it was God’s love for us that moved him to send his Son to die for our