Studying the Bible -- What is the Book of Philemon About?

The last letter of Paul preserved for us is the letter to Philemon regarding his runaway slave Onesimus. When Onesimus ran away from Philemon, he went to Rome where he met Paul. Paul taught him and he became a Christian. He was very useful to Paul while in Rome but Paul felt that he must send him back to his master. Paul sent Onesimus with this letter in which Paul urged Philemon, who was a Christian in the church at Colosse, to receive him back kindly, suggesting perhaps that his escape was God’s providence to help Paul and save Onesimus’ soul. Paul further requested that Philemon release Onesimus from his slavery for he felt that Onesimus would be useful in the kingdom of God.