Philemon

Philemon is Paul's shortest letter, a personal and tactful appeal to a Christian slave-owner. Onesimus, Philemon's runaway slave, has become a believer under Paul, and Paul sends him back — no longer merely a slave but 'a beloved brother' — asking Philemon to receive him graciously and even offering to repay any debt himself.

In a few gracious verses the letter quietly undermines the whole logic of slavery by placing master and slave on equal footing in Christ. It is a beautiful case study in reconciliation, forgiveness and the practical outworking of the gospel.