Who was Philemon?
Quick answer
Philemon was a wealthy Christian in Colossae, host of a house church, and the master of the runaway slave Onesimus. Paul wrote the New Testament letter Philemon urging him to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.
Paul calls him "beloved fellow worker." He was a leader in the church meeting in his home.
Paul doesn’t command — he persuades, appealing to love and partnership. "Charge it to my account" if Onesimus owes anything.
The letter shows how the gospel reshapes social relationships — from the inside out — without political revolution but with deep change.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.