Onesimus, the Slave Who Became a Brother

A prisoner because of the gospel, Paul writes to Philemon, his “fellowlabourer,” in whose house the church meets. He commends him for his faith and love. Then he pleads for Onesimus, “my son, whom I have begotten in my bonds.” Once “unprofitable” to Philemon, Onesimus has become “profitable to thee and to me.” Paul would have liked to keep him with him, but he will do nothing without Philemon’s consent, so that his kindness might be “willingly,” not forced. He sends Onesimus back, “not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved.” And he adds: “If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it.”