Philemon

“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me” (17). When the world accepted slavery and had little idea of human rights, Paul the apostle identified Onesimus, who had escaped his chains, as a beloved brother in Christ. In prison, Paul had led Onesimus to Jesus and now described him as “my son” (10), “my very heart” (12), “a dear brother” (16) and “fellow man” (16). Paul lovingly and persuasively urged the slave-owner Philemon to welcome Onesimus home not with threats or punishment, but as a “brother in the Lord” (16).

Knowing Jesus radically transforms all our relationships, “deepening our understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ” (6).