This was merely a private letter from Paul to a person otherwise not
known, but appearing, from the terms in which he is herein mentioned,
to have been at some time or other associated with Paul in the gospel
work; since he styles him “fellow-laborer.” He appears to have been a
man of some property and generosity, because he had a house spacious
enough to hold a worshiping assembly, who were freely accommodated by
him; and he is likewise mentioned as hospitably entertaining traveling
Christians. The possession of some wealth is also implied in the
circumstance which is the occasion of this epistle. Like almost all
Christians of that age who were able to do so, he owned at least one
slave, by name Onesimus, who had run away from him to Rome, and there
falling under the notice of Paul, was made the subject of his personal
attentions, and was at last converted by him to the Christian faith.
Paul now sends him back to his old master, with this letter, in which
he narrates the circumstances connected with the flight and conversion
of Onesimus, and then with great earnestness, yet with mildness,
entreats Philemon to receive him now, not as a slave, but as a
brother,――to forgive him his offenses, and restore him to favor. Paul
himself offers to become personally responsible for all pecuniary loss
experienced by Philemon in consequence of the absence of his servant in
Rome, where he had been ministering to Paul; and the apostle gives ♦his
own note of hand for any reasonable amount which Philemon may choose to
claim. Throughout the whole, he speaks in great confidence of the ready
compliance of Philemon with these requests, and evidently considers him
a most intimate friend, loving and beloved. He also speaks with great
confidence of his own speedy release from his bonds, and begs Philemon
to prepare him a lodging; for he trusts that through his prayers, he
shall shortly be given to him.
♦ duplicate word “his” removed