Philemon, New Testament.
Book of Philemon.
This brief letter is a masterpiece in Christian diplomacy, setting the example in how to deal with a serious conflict between brothers in Christ. During Paul’s house arrest in Rome, Onesimus, a runaway slave, came into contact with Paul and was brought to faith in Christ by him. The two of them agreed that Onesimus should return to his master, Philemon. In the letter, Paul leaves it to Philemon to decide whether to retain Onesimus or to return him to Paul; he maintains that God’s pardoning grace provides sufficient motive to forgive Onesimus and accept him into fellowship as a Christian brother. He does not address slavery as an issue, which indicates that Onesimus was in this position to make restitution for an unpaid debt, or a robbery or embezzlement committed against Philemon. Scripture does not record the result of Paul’s request, but according to tradition, Onesimus was freed. There is a strong comparison to the New Covenant: the Master, the disobedience of man, and an everlasting guarantee (redemption and salvation from sin and eternal punishment).