Paul Writes to Philemon

One of Paul’s friends was Philemon. Philemon was a
businessman in the city of Colossae. Paul helped Philemon hear
the good news about Jesus.
Philemon had a big house and many servants. One of the
servants was Onesimus.
Onesimus took something that belonged to his master,
Philemon. Onesimus made a mistake and ran away. He traveled to
Rome, a city far away. Onesimus went to Paul’s house.
Paul cared about Onesimus and told him about Jesus.
Onesimus wanted to love Jesus and live like Him. Onesimus told
Paul his story about leaving Philemon’s house.
Paul wanted to help Onesimus, so he decided to send a letter to
his friend Philemon. Paul knew the right thing was for Onesimus
to return to his master, and for Philemon to forgive Onesimus.
Paul told Philemon that Onesimus now loved Jesus. Onesimus had
been helpful to Paul in Rome.
“Dear Philemon, I write you in love,” said Paul. “Please accept
your servant Onesimus back to your home. Forgive him. He loves
Jesus and follows Him as you and I do. If Onesimus has done
something wrong or owes you money, I will take care of it.” Then
Paul said, “I hope to visit with you later to see how things are
going.”
Paul wanted Philemon to treat Onesimus kindly and forgive him.
And Paul wanted Onesimus to do the right thing and go back to
his master’s house.