What does Philemon 1:13 mean?
The opening phrase of this verse reveals important information about the context of this letter. Onesimus was with Paul in Rome, during Paul's house arrest, and was of value to him. The second phrase in this verse explains why: so he could help Paul in some of the ways Philemon had. Onesimus had been a runaway slave, but was now voluntarily serving Paul's needs.Paul is once again imprisoned for the gospel, something he endured often for his missionary work. Paul is writing to Philemon under house arrest, waiting to appeal his court case to Emperor Caesar. The Bible does not say whether or not this appeal ever took place. According to Roman law, a person would be released if accusers did not appear within two years. This may have been Paul's case (Acts 28:30–31). This partly explains the suggestion in verse 22 that Paul may soon visit Philemon in Colossae. Paul's activity after this house arrest is partly described in the letters 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.
Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.
Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.
