Onesimus, a servant to Philemon, an eminent person in Colosse, ran away from his master to Rome. Here he was converted to Christianity by St. Paul, who sent him back to his master with this letter. It seems, Philemon not only pardoned, but gave him his liberty; seeing Ignatius makes mention of him, as succeeding Timotheus at Ephesus.

The letter has three parts

I. The inscription,................................ 1-3
II. After commending Philemon's faith and love,.... 4-7
He desires him to receive Onesimus again,.... 8-21
And to prepare a lodging for himself,.......... 22
III. The conclusion,............................. 23-23