This page should help
The letter was comprised of his thoughts and feelings. He wanted all 7 to preach his words through his thoughts
Unlike the Gospels or Luke's Acts of the Apostles, which were fashioned long after the events that they describe, Paul's letters preserve not only his thoughts but also his feelings at the time he wrote. These letters have a freshness and liveliness to them that still comes through 2,000 years later. They are the "e-mail" of the Bible.
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/YU/ay0501.asp
2007-10-12 13:57:44
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answer #1
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answered by Sky B 3
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In this short letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to take back his runaway slave, not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Onesimus had run away and found Paul imprisoned in Rome, and became a convert under Paul. Paul has decided to send him back to his master Philemon.
While this letter of Paul to Philemon may be brief, it is quite important, for it gives the principle of brotherly love that will ultimately put an end to slavery, the custom of the time.
2007-10-12 14:11:30
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answer #2
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answered by mollyflan 6
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Philemon was already a Christian (vs 2 mentions the congregation meeting in his house).
Onesimus had been "formerly useless to" him (vs 11) and may have stolen or otherwise cost Philemon (Vs 18).
Paul now wanted Philemon to take Onesimus back "as more than a slave, as a brother beloved". That is, Onesimus would still be Philemon's slave (worker) but would be treated as a brother (or valued worker if you prefer).
While its often believed that Onesimus coverted to Christianity while with Paul (vs 10 Paul calls him "my child to whom I became a father") it should be remembered that Paul was now "a prisoner" (vs 1) and Onesimus came to him "while in my prison bonds". As a runaway slave (sentence could be death) it would have taken great courage and faith for Onesimus to approach Paul (specifically Paul was under house arrest in Rome [Acts 28:30] but all visitors would still have been monitored) so its likely that Onesimus was already a Christian who fled to Paul when relations with his master Philemon broke down hoping Paul could help out (not the only arguement between Christians recorded in the Bible). While with Paul Onesimus did help Paul (vs13) but Paul felt it better for Onesimus and Philemon to be reunited and so requested Philemon to welcome back his brother Onesimus.
Sorry I've no sources to link, I read the theories in older magazines.
2007-10-12 14:32:26
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answer #3
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answered by Fenrir 1
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Paul desired Philemon to take back Onesimus who had run away and accept him as a brother in the Lord and that wasa way in which he would accept Paul as well
2007-10-13 04:02:28
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answer #4
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answered by Dave aka Spider Monkey 7
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a million. 'Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets on your position' 2. 'i could have loved to maintain him with me purely so he could favor to take your position in helping me mutually as i'm in chains for the gospel' 3. 'So in case you talk me a more desirable bodily functional 1/2, welcome him as you'll welcome me. If he has achieved you any incorrect or owes you something, fee it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my personal hand. i will pay it lower back—to not discuss that you owe me your very self. I do favor, brother, that i could favor to have some make the major of you contained in the Lord; refresh my coronary heart in Christ. positive of your obedience, I write to you, understanding that you may do even more desirable ideal than I ask.' 4. Epaphras favor i have were given helped somewhat :)
2016-10-09 03:02:52
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Take his servant Onesimus back even though he ran away and converted to Christianity.
2007-10-12 13:48:24
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answer #6
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answered by staisil 7
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I agree. Take Onesimus back and forgive him.
2007-10-12 14:41:43
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answer #7
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answered by motorgirl56 3
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