Philemon is a small character in the Bible, but his story carries big meaning. He is the person Paul wrote to in the Book of Philemon. It’s a short letter—just 25 verses—but it teaches us a lot about love, forgiveness, and Christian friendship.
1. Philemon was a wealthy man
Philemon lived in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was likely rich. He owned slaves and had a home large enough for believers to meet in.
Philemon 1:2 — "To the church that meets in your home."
This tells us his home was used for worship, showing his generosity and leadership.
2. Paul called him a dear friend
Paul didn’t just write to anyone—he wrote to someone close. He called Philemon a “dear friend and fellow worker.”
Philemon 1:1 — "To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker."
They had a strong relationship based on their faith in Christ.
3. The Book of Philemon is very short
Philemon is only one chapter long, with 25 verses. It’s one of the shortest books in the whole Bible.
Book | Number of Verses |
---|---|
Philemon | 25 |
2 John | 13 |
3 John | 15 |
Even though it's short, it teaches big lessons about grace and brotherhood.
4. He was the master of Onesimus
Philemon had a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus ran away and later met Paul while Paul was in prison. Paul led him to Christ.
Philemon 1:10 — "I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains."
Paul loved Onesimus like a son.
5. Paul asked Philemon to forgive Onesimus
Paul didn’t command Philemon to forgive Onesimus. Instead, he appealed to him gently, asking him to welcome Onesimus not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.
Philemon 1:16 — "No longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother."
This is one of the Bible’s clearest teachings on Christian love and equality.
6. Paul offered to pay Onesimus' debt
Paul told Philemon that if Onesimus owed him anything, he would pay it back himself.
Philemon 1:18-19 — "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..."
Paul showed Christ-like sacrifice and love.
7. The letter was personal and heartfelt
Unlike Paul's other letters, which were written to churches, this one was a private letter to one man. It shows the warm, personal side of Paul.
Philemon 1:7 — "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement."
Paul truly cared about his relationships with others.
8. Philemon had strong faith and love
Paul praised Philemon for his faith in Jesus and love for all believers.
Philemon 1:5 — "Because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus."
Philemon’s faith wasn’t hidden—it was well known.
9. Paul hoped to visit Philemon
Paul hoped to be released from prison and stay with Philemon.
Philemon 1:22 — "Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers."
This shows how close they were and how much Paul trusted him.
10. The message of the letter still matters today
Though it’s short, the letter teaches timeless lessons. It shows how the gospel changes relationships, turning slave and master into brothers.
Galatians 3:28 — "There is neither slave nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
It reminds us to treat everyone with love, grace, and equality.