Book of Philemon The Epistle to Philemon is a book of the Bible
in the New Testament. Philemon is generally regarded as one of
the undisputed works of Paul, and it was most likely written in
Rome, around 61-63 AD. It is the shortest of Paul's extant
letters, consisting of only 25 verses. Purpose of the epistle
Paul addressed the epistle specifically to Philemon, his fellow
apostle. Paul appeals directly to Philemon's Christian
conscience in asking him to accept the return of Onesimus, a
runaway slave of Philemon's. Paul indicates that he converted
Onesimus to Christianity (1:10-11), therefore making him
"profitable" (or "useful"). Paul implores Philemon to treat
Onesimus not as a slave but, like Paul, as a brother in Christ.
Additionally, Paul offers to take on all debts and
transgressions that Onesimus owed to Philemon, just as Christ
took on the sins of Man.