Philemon (the rarely read epistle of Paul)

The little New Testament book of Philemon, a letter written by paul to Philemon on behalf of his runaway slave Onesimus, drips of the love and meekness of God upon closer examination.

1) Paul indicates he converted Onesimus I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? Philemon 1:10,13,16
 2) Paul asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat Paul If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. Philemon 1:17
3) Paul agrees to take on the burden of any debt Onesimus might owe Philemon 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: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Philemon 1:18,19
4) Paul explains that maybe it was for the good that this happened-for now Onesimus is a believer too For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Philemon 1:15
5) Also notice where the early church was meeting ...unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, ...and to the church in thy house: Philemon 1:1,2
6) Paul also tugged at the heart strings of Philemon by referring to his own age Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged,.... Philemon 1:9
7) Paul informs Philemon he will stop by But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. Philemon 1:22
In Summary-the real point to the epistle of Philemon by Paul is verse 15 which is worth repeating For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; Philemon 1:15