Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy write to Philemon, their beloved fellow worker, to Apphia, to Archippus, and to the church that meets in his house. Paul thanks God always for Philemon, hearing of his love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints. Paul writes that he has much joy and comfort in Philemon's love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through him.
Paul says that though he has boldness in Christ to command what is right, for love's sake he would rather appeal. He appeals for Onesimus, whom Paul calls his child, born in the faith while Paul was in chains. Onesimus once was useless to Philemon, but now he is useful to him and to Paul. Paul is sending him back, calling him my own heart. Paul would have liked to keep him to serve him in prison, but he would do nothing without Philemon's consent, so that Philemon's goodness would be freely given.
Paul suggests that perhaps Onesimus was separated from Philemon for a while so that Philemon would have him forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother. He is especially dear to Paul, and even more to Philemon, both in the flesh and in the Lord. Paul writes: If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. If Onesimus has wronged Philemon or owes him anything, Paul says to charge it to him, and he signs it with his own hand: I will repay it. Paul is confident Philemon will do even more than he asks. He asks Philemon to prepare a guest room, hoping that through their prayers he will be restored to them.