The Epistle of Philemon is one of Paul's shortest letters which teaches lessons about forgiveness, love, grace, and the transforming power of the gospel. Paul encourages Philemon to receive Onesimus, a former slave who had become a Christian, as a beloved brother in Christ. Paul starts greeting Philemon, Apphia, Archippus and the church which meets there in their home. Paul says that he prays that they might be active in sharing their faith and says he is overjoyed because "you have refreshed the hearts of the saints... and I appeal to you Philemon on the basis of love for my son Onesimus... for he has become useful both to you and me... so I am sending him to you... although I would have liked to have kept him here... but not without your consent... so take him back no longer as a slave but as a brother in the Lord... so welcome him as you would welcome me... confident of your obedience... prepare a guest room for me... and the grace of the Lord be with your spirit".
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